What is an M12 Connector?
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- John
- Issue Time
- May 14,2025
Summary
The M12 connector is a circular industrial connector with a 12 mm metric thread locking structure, known for its compactness, robustness and high reliability.
Abstract
This article introduces what is M12 connector and its main features, providing readers with a comprehensive technical overview
Do you know about M12 circular connector?
M12 connector is a circular industrial connector with 12mm metric thread locking structure, known for its compactness, robustness and high reliability.
Originally designed to achieve stable interconnection between sensors and actuators in harsh environments, it is now widely used in industrial automation, automotive manufacturing and process control.
Standards and Interchangeability
M12 connectors comply with the IEC61076‑2‑101:2012 international standard, ensuring interoperability between products from different manufacturers.
In 2021, the Push‑Pull standard IEC61076‑2‑010:2021 was also released to meet the needs of faster blind mating and unmating.
Coding and Pin Configuration
M12 connectors offer a variety of coding options to prevent mismating, such as A coding (universal signal power), B coding (Profibus/Interbus), D coding (Industrial Ethernet) and X coding (10Gb/s data transmission).
The number of pins ranges from 3 to 17, of which 3–4 are often used for sensors and low-power power supply, 4–8 are used for Ethernet and fieldbus, and 12 and above meet complex signal distribution needs.
M12 connectors are usually used with Cat5e or Cat6A industrial Ethernet cables to balance bandwidth and anti-interference performance.
Material and Environmental Adaptability
M12 connector shells are commonly made of stainless steel, brass and other materials, and can be nickel-plated or gold-plated to balance mechanical strength and electrical performance.
Its sealing level can reach IP67, IP68 or even IP69K, and it can maintain sealing in immersion, high-pressure cleaning and chemical corrosion environments.
In addition, shielded and unshielded versions are available to help resist electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) to ensure signal integrity.
Typical Application Scenarios
M12 connectors are commonly used in factory automation to interconnect PLCs, I/O modules, sensors, and actuators.
In industrial Ethernet applications, D-coding and X-coding can support high-speed protocols such as Profinet and EtherCAT.
In renewable energy fields such as wind power and photovoltaic systems, M12 connectors are widely used due to their dust and water resistance.
The robotics and machine tool industries also take advantage of their high vibration resistance and fast plug-in and pull-out advantages to ensure long-term stable operation.
Advantages and Selection Recommendations
M12 connectors offer multiple locking mechanisms such as thread, push-pull, and snap-on, which can achieve blind plugging and quick assembly, improving on-site maintenance efficiency.
The cross-vendor interchangeability of products with the same coding is strong, which helps reduce spare parts inventory and maintenance costs.
When selecting, it is necessary to combine factors such as protocol type (such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, CAN), environmental conditions (temperature, cleaning) and plug-in and unplug frequency to select the appropriate coding and material.
M12 C code connector connector for AC power connection, shielding performance and protection level, can meet the high requirements of power connectors in the field of industrial automation.
M12 Field Wireable Connector is a flexible and highly customizable connector suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
M12 Field Wireable Connector is a flexible and highly customizable connector suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
M12 Field Wireable Connector is a flexible and highly customizable connector suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
FAQ
Q1: What is the maximum data transmission rate of the M12 connector?
A: X-coded M12 connectors can support data rates up to 10Gb/s.
Q2: How to prevent the M12 connector from being mis-inserted?
A: Through different coded keyway designs and color identification, physical and visual mis-insertion prevention is achieved.
Q3: What are the common IP levels of M12 connectors?
A: Common IP67, IP68 and IP69K, which can be used in immersion and high-pressure cleaning environments.
Q4: How to choose the appropriate number of pins?
A: Depending on the required signal channels and power requirements, 3-4 poles are used for sensors, 4-8 poles are used for data communication, and 12 poles and above are used for multi-channel signal distribution.
Q5: What cable types are suitable for M12 connectors?
A: Usually used with Cat5e and Cat6A industrial Ethernet cables, and also supports shielded or unshielded PVC/PUR material cables.
