M12 Panel Mount Connectors
Panel mount connectors are the preferred choice for a variety of devices and applications. They provide a durable connection that’s resistant to moisture and dust.
Panel mount connectors come in male and female genders, which determine how the inner conductor mates with the outer conductor. They also have a dielectric insulator that separates the two conductors, preventing mis-mating.
M12 Panel Mount Connectors
M12 Panel Mount Connectors are a solution to quickly and neatly transition cabling from a connector through a panel or enclosure wall. Also known as breakout boards, they are a great choice for making machine network connections, connecting external sensors, and supplying power to human interface devices.
They are front mount (meaning the locking nut is on the front) and can be used in washdown, corrosive environments. M12 connectors are circular with a 12-mm mating thread and come in various pin counts based on your application requirements. Sensors and actuators typically use 3 or 4 pin counts; industrial ethernet, Fieldbus, or CAN bus uses 4, 5, or 8 pin counts; and power applications utilize up to 12 pins.
Depending on the application, you will need to choose a male or female panel mount connector. Male connectors will feature an insertion lock that prevents accidental disconnect and allows only one connector to be installed per panel or enclosure opening. Female connectors, on the other hand, will feature a strain relief extension that reduces tension placed on wires connected to the terminals.
Some versions of the M12 panel mount connector are also waterproof to IP67 or higher, protecting against moisture and dust. Others are UL listed for use in harsh environmental conditions and withstand temperatures from -40°C to 85°C.
Material
Stainless steel is an excellent material for connector housings, as it provides both strength and resilience against corrosion. It’s often used for rugged connectors that must endure harsh environments. Aluminum is less 4 pin panel mount connector expensive, but it’s not as good for use in electrical connectors.
The plating on the leads of a connector determines its lifespan and mating cycles, as well as its resistance to corrosion. Most standard off-the-shelf connectors use tin as their plating, but specialty connector service providers can offer a variety of other coatings such as gold. Gold is an expensive option, but it offers higher plating thicknesses that allow for more mating cycles.
Most connectors have a specific pitch, which determines the distance from one contact to the next. This helps you distinguish different types of connectors from each other, especially when their shell sizes are the same.
You can also identify the type of connection on a panel mount connector by its pin configuration. Some connectors only have four pins, while others have six or more. The number of pins on a connector dictates what kind of cable it can be used with, and it can also tell you whether the connector is male or female. This information is important for creating the right connections and avoiding potential errors. You may also need to know the pitch on a particular connector, such as a D-subminiature, to ensure that you buy a compatible receptacle or plug.
Form Factor
The shape of a connector has a big impact on how it’s used. Most industrial connectors waterproof connector manufacturer consist of a male and female half, or inserts, with contacts housed in a dielectric insulator. They’re designed to be mated together and then attached to a housing that protects the connectors from environmental damage and corrosion.
Most of these connectors have a circular or rectangular shape, although there are more specialized options. More specialized connectors are often designed to meet specific industry standards, such as MIL-DTL-32139 or MIL-DTL-83513. This means they’re built to withstand harsh conditions, such as those found in aerospace or industrial systems.
These panel mount connectors are also easy to use. They have solder cups that are easy to tin and solder wires into. Then, you just need to put small heat shrink over each solder point to keep the wires in place and protected.
One thing to keep in mind with these panel mount connectors is that they require a bigger cut-out than the standard cable connectors. That’s because they have to fit into a panel with a hole or cut-out. The cut-out must be made very precisely to avoid putting too much stress on the connectors or the wires that attach to them. Typically, these connectors are fixed into the panel using glue or another method of adhesive rather than mechanical fixing.
Applications
If your application involves connecting a panel or enclosure to cables, it is important to use a connector that will provide reliable electrical and mechanical performance. To ensure you have the right connection for your specific application, consider factors such as:
Depending on the environment in which the connector will be used, you will want to ensure that it has resistance to elements like liquids and gases, as well as protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI). You may also need to determine how many mating cycles the connector will need to withstand, and whether any special accessories are required for a secure attachment or to help with troubleshooting.
Circular connectors are especially useful in industrial applications due to their ability to withstand a wide range of environmental factors, including vibration, shock, and temperature. These connectors can also be keyed or polarized to help with proper alignment and insertion into a mating device.
When using a circular connector in your next project, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s datasheet, which will include information like recommended PCB pad layouts, soldering temperatures and times, and the best mounting methods for your specific application. Additionally, you will need to make sure that you have the proper tools for installation and removal, such as screwdrivers, pliers, or crimpers. Using the wrong tool could damage your connector or the PCB.