What do the connector codes mean? What kind of cable should I choose for this sensor? Both of these cables seem to work, so what's the difference?
Do you encounter various problems when selecting cables and connectors? Today, we'll share some basic knowledge and selection methods for industrial cables and connectors!
Connector plugs and sockets
The plug is what we usually call a male connector. The connector has pins. The picture below shows a 5-pin M12 plug connector cable.
(5-pin M12 connector cable)
The socket is what we usually call a female connector. The connector has holes, as shown in the picture below, which is a 5-pin M12 socket connector cable.
(5-pin M12 socket connector cable)
When selecting cables, please note that the connectors on the sensor and the cable must each have a plug and a socket to connect to each other.
Cable connector coding
M12 connectors are widely used in industrial automation equipment and have several common internal structures and coding methods. Although these connectors all have a diameter of 12mm and a pitch of 1mm, their internal structures and uses are not entirely the same. The following will introduce some commonly used structures and their applications.
A code
The A-code is primarily used for connecting to DC power, standard 24VDC, and standard sensor interfaces. The interface shape is as follows:
(A-code illustration)
B code
B-code is mainly used for fieldbuses such as Profibus, and its interface shape is as follows:
(B-code illustration)
C encoding
C code is mainly used for connecting to AC power, and the interface shape is as follows:
(C encoding diagram)
D-encoding
D-encoding is mainly used for 100Mbps Ethernet such as Profinet, Ethernet, and CC-Link, and the interface shape is as follows:
(D-encoding diagram)
X encoding
X-coding is primarily used for Gigabit Ethernet, and the interface shape is as follows:
(X-encoding diagram)
When choosing cables, be sure to pay attention to the coding. If the coding is incorrect, even cables of the same M12 type cannot be connected and used together.
Shielded and unshielded wires
As shown in the figure below, shielded cables have a separate shielding layer, which is mostly made of copper. The shielding layer can be grounded to effectively reduce the influence of external electromagnetic fields on power or communication lines, and at the same time prevent the lines from radiating electromagnetic energy.
Applications of shielded cables: Shielded cables are recommended when there is significant electromagnetic interference in the surrounding environment to improve signal quality. You can choose between shielded or unshielded cables based on the surrounding electromagnetic environment.
Cable sheath material
We will mainly introduce the two most common materials for industrial cables: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PUR (polyurethane). When choosing cable sheath material, the main factor is the customer's operating environment.
PVC cables are mainly suitable for general industrial environments where the surrounding area is relatively clean and the cables are fixed in place and do not require movement.
PUR cables are primarily suitable for harsh industrial environments where there is contamination from lubricating oil, cutting fluid, etc., and are typically flexible, making them suitable for cable chain applications.
PS: If the cable material used is halogen-free (such as halogen-free PUR cable), then when the cable material is burned, it will not produce corrosive or toxic gases, only water vapor and carbon dioxide.
When choosing cable sheath materials, you mainly need to consider the application.
