Transferring Ethernet standards from office level into the world of automation (Industrial Ethernet) was seen as a significant step when implementing global communication systems in companies.

High data transfer rates of 100 Mbit/s (CAT 5 ISO/IEC 11801 Class D) and a transfer method with no collisions make 'Fast Ethernet' real-time capable. Management, control and field level are communicating without any perceivable delay, which allows many diverse interesting applications. Remote maintenance of complete installations and systems via company networks or the web are now possible. 

The harsh industrial environment at device level (sensor, actuator) requires Industrial Ethernet system components to be robust. While IP20 protection (standard RJ45 connectors) is sufficient for components at office level, industry requires IP65/IP67 protection. Especially important is the high quality of the plug connections: these have to operate reliably against shock, vibration, humidity, EMC problems, temperature fluctuations and, at times, aggressive media.

D-coded M12 connectors (to DIN EN 61076-2-101 standard), meet these requirements and feature 100 mating cycles, IP65/ IP67 and a shock resistance of 50g.  Using Murrelektronik's prewired and molded M12 connectors prevents wiring errors and is tamper-proof. The d-coded pin design prevents mistakes caused by wrong connections. A 15° locking mechanism protects against shock and vibration and the 360° shielding of the connectors ensures reliable data transfer even under extreme conditions.

If the data quantity is higher, for example with  high speed vision systems, X-coded M12 connectors according E DIN EN 61076-2-109 are a suitable choice. Four separately shielded data pairs that are separated by an X shaped metal cross, guarantee data transfer up to 10Gbit (ISO/IEC 11801 Cat. 6A). Murrelektronik offers the X-coded M12 connectors with a flexible PUR cable. This makes the products suitable for moving applications. Combining RJ45 connections in the office and x-coded M12 connections in the field makes it possible to establish a consistent gigabyte communication company wide. 

With the Y-coded M12 round plug connector, Murrelektronik offers another interesting type for Industrial Ethernet applications. This hybrid solution makes it possible to transfer power and signal together in a single connector. The metal Y-coding separates the four power contacts from the four signal contacts in the pin design. This makes it possible to transfer 100Mbit/s while at the same time providing 2 x 6A power connections. The installations effort in these applications is reduced which enables cost savings. To meet all requirements of the field level, Murrelektronik relies on a PUR cable that is suitable for C-track applications.

For Industrial Ethernet, selecting a suitable cable material is as important as choosing the right connector. For each application, a specially designed cable is available. If the wrong cable type is used, cable failure (for example wire break) can occur in a very short time. 

For static applications, Murrelektronik recommends type A cables with a PVC jacket. For flexible applications, type B cables with a PUR jacket are suitable and have a good price/performance ratio. For dynamic applications, where cables are exposed to constant torsion or continuously moving drag chains, a highly flexible type C PUR cable is required. Additionally, it has to be taken into account that an Ethernet cable that is suitable for C-track applications is not a torsion cable and a torsion Ethernet cable is not suitable for drag chains. It is important to pay attention to the minimum bend radius, because using a small radius will destroy the cable.

Murrelektronik offers a suitable cable for every application and, to ensure a long lifetime, decisive criteria regarding the application has been defined such as minimum bend radius, degree of torsion, bend cycles and other parameters, and have been confirmed in many tests.