The new iPhone packs a pretty punch — better camera, bigger battery, more storage in a selection of pastels – but, uh oh, your old charger is incompatible. The disappearance of the Lightning port makes all the previously purchased chargers – one in the kitchen, the car, the bedroom, the office – obsolete. And without the right cable, your iPhone becomes an expensive paperweight.
The need for proper cables isn’t limited to our phones, of course. In the ever-evolving world of automation, a multitude of new products emerge daily, each demanding the precise cable for optimal functionality. Even within standard cable sizes, the array of connector types designed for diverse applications can be overwhelming.
Selecting the right cable for your application involves careful consideration of size, length, number of connectors, pinout, and the sometimes-confusing cable codes. Cable codes signify a cable’s unique capabilities and intended uses. Different codes correspond to distinct specifications and electrical features.
There are a wide variety of cable codings used for different purposes. Let’s explore the five most common M12 cable codes and their respective applications:
- A-coded connectors: The most prevalent connector style, these are the go-to choice for sensors, actuators, motors, and standard devices. A-coded connectors can feature a varying number of pins, ranging from two to twelve.
- B-coded connectors: Predominantly employed in network cables for fieldbus connections, particularly within Profibus systems. B-coded connectors typically come with three to five pins.
- C-coded connectors: Less common but valuable, these connectors find their niche with AC sensors and actuators. They offer an additional level of security with a dual keyway, ensuring they are not mistakenly used in place of another cable. C-coded connectors usually sport three to six pins.
- D-coded connectors: The choice for network cables designed for Ethernet and ProfiNet systems, these connectors can transfer data up to 100 Mb. Typically, they provide three to five pins.
- X-coded connectors: A more recent innovation in the world of cables, X-coded connectors are gaining popularity for their capacity to transfer large data volumes at high speeds, up to 1 Gb. These are particularly suitable for high-speed data transfer in industrial applications. Unlike other coded cables, X-coded cables consistently feature eight pins.
By understanding the distinctive attributes of each M12 cable code, you can ensure your automation system operates efficiently and effectively.