Robust connectors for data and signal transmission are in demand wherever there are high demands on cabling security.These include the harsh conditions of factory automation as well as the continuous data, signal and media streams in process automation.FO circular connectors optimize data transmission from the field to the control level.Figure 1: FO-based data connectors - the M12 Optic has different fiber types and thus a large range of applications.(Image: Phoenix Contact)Figure 1: FO-based data connectors - the M12 Optic has different fiber types and thus a large range of applications.Phoenix ContactThe M12 circular connector has proven itself in the industrial environment - so there is a wide variety of coding, connection and mounting options.However, since the required data volumes and transmission speeds increase with the degree of automation, there are limits to copper-based data cabling.Phoenix Contact has therefore developed the M12 Optic connector especially for the requirements of complex automation processes.Based on fiber optics (LWL), the M12 Optic combines high data transmission rates with reliable protection against mechanical, electromagnetic and environmental influences.In the industrial environment, three different fiber types are often used in parallel in what is known as multimode transmission.This is required for automation processes with different amounts of data.In addition to the widespread POF (polymer optical fiber), PCF (polymer cladded fiber) and pure GOF (glass optical fiber) have also been found in fiber optic cables in harsh industrial environments for years.The new M12 Optic from Phoenix Contact is an IP65/67-protected circular connector with an insert for accommodating two fiber-optic cables.It is designed as a duplex connector with two spring-loaded 2.5 mm ferrules.The new series is standardized according to IEC 61754-27 and includes connectors, couplings and transceivers.In the current Profinet guideline, it is listed as an alternative to the "SC-RJ Push Pull OF Connector".The series is Profinet-compliant for POF with 980/1000 µm fibers and PCF with 200/230 µm fibers.The M12 Optic product family therefore includes different connection cables with these fiber types.The POF optical fibers with fibers with a diameter of 980/1000 µm have the largest fiber diameter in the industrial environment.These plastic fiber optic cables are used for short transmission distances of up to 50 m and for low data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s.In the M12 Optic product family, this fiber is installed in the widely used round cable Profinet Type B.This polyurethane (PUR) cable is halogen-free and resistant to ozone and UV rays.The PCF-GI fiber – formerly known as HCS-GI – with a gradient index profile of 200/230 µm is suitable for data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s and transmission distances of up to 300 m.The PCF-GI fiber is used in the Profinet Type C cable type - a flexible round cable that is suitable for use in drag chains, for example.For higher data rates from 1 Gbit/s, patch cables with GOF fibers multimode and a fiber diameter of G50/125 µm come into play.The OM2 fiber is suitable for transmission distances of up to 550 meters at a wavelength of 1300 nanometers.The round cables can be used in indoor and outdoor applications, so they allow secure data cabling solutions in industrial plants or infrastructure applications.Figure 2: Mounted in the electronics housing - M12 optic transceivers for multimode applications can be used as IP-protected wall bushings.Phoenix ContactThe patch cords of the M12 Optic series include different cable lengths from M12 to M12, from M12 to the SC-RJ standard typical for Profinet (for POF and PCF-GI) and for LC duplex (for GOF).The IP20 connector types SC-RJ and LC-Duplex enable direct use with existing switches, controllers or media converters.Special M12 transceivers for data rates of 125 Mbit/s are available as active components.The transceivers are available for wavelengths of 650 and 1300 nm, each have an I² interface and can also be used as IP-protected wall bushings.The product range also includes standard couplings for patch cables, which can also be used as IP-protected wall bushings (image 2).Thanks to its smaller design-in contour, the M12 design is also suitable for devices with compact dimensions.The globally established screw connection enables a stable connection between the device and the field cabling, even under mechanical stress.With its recessed ferrules, the fiber end faces of the M12 Optic are also protected from damage during handling.Another advantage is that the optical M12 connectors meet the requirements of protection class IP65/67 - they are therefore protected against the ingress of dust and water.When the patch cables are delivered, the connectors are sealed with sealing caps, which ensure the cleanliness of the mating face.The spring-loaded 2.5 mm ferrules of the PCF and GOF variants are made of ceramic for a high end face quality.The individual measurement protocol for all patch cords with the three selectable fiber types documents the quality of the products - only items with good attenuation values ​​leave the fiber optic production.The high return loss of the GOF patch cable of ≥ 45 dB speaks for a high quality of the data transmission with low reflections.Figure 3: Temperature change test - assembled M12 optic test cables prove their industrial suitability during the cold phase.Phoenix ContactDue to the demanding conditions - temperature fluctuations, dust, humidity, vibrations, chemicals - the components in the industrial environment must be more robust than in office or residential buildings or even in the data center.All connectors and cabling solutions from the M12 Optic range are tested in the approval laboratory to determine whether they meet the requirements of transmission technology, climatic, mechanical and environmental factors based on IEC 61753-1 Category U (uncontrolled environment) (Figure 3).An example of this is the temperature change test.It is regarded as a particularly critical test for fiber optic connection technology qualification and at the same time as the most important environmental test.The test provides insights into the extent to which different temperatures affect the functionality of the fiber optic connector over several cycles.For this purpose, the damping is measured before, during and after the test.Image 4: All components of the M12 Optic product range are put through their paces for use in harsh industrial applications.Phoenix ContactIn addition to the environmental tests, the components also undergo mechanical tests - such as the vibration test.This test verifies that oscillations and vibrations do not restrict the function of the plug connection.All components of the M12 Optic series have successfully passed these tests based on the IEC 61753-1 Category U standard - there is therefore no longer anything standing in the way of use in harsh industrial applications (Figure 4).A standardized connector face established worldwide, fiber types for high data rates and long transmission distances, high protection against EMC and ESD influences - the M12 Optic solves many problems in data transmission in complex automation processes.In this way, system planners and users can implement consistent cabling concepts from the field to the control level with just one connector face.This not only simplifies installation and maintenance, but also the purchasing process and warehousing.The integration of additional automation components into the existing cabling infrastructure is also simplified.I agree to being informed by all-electronics via email about magazines, online offers, products, events and downloads from the industry media network.I also agree to the evaluation of my use of the newsletter to optimize the product range.I can revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future by unsubscribing from the newsletter.I have read and acknowledged the data protection information.By registering, I accept the terms of use of the portals in the industry media network.I have taken note of the data protection declaration.NASA's James Webb Telescope continues to send fascinating images back to Earth, most recently one of the Orion Nebula.Initial findings (and music) are also already being drawn from the JWST data.Here you can read about the development.Read more...Smart grids do not make electricity smarter, but ensure that it is distributed intelligently.This is the only way to implement the energy transition.What a Smart Grid is, what it does and what it needs - 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