The Adventures of the Little Giants

The Adventures of the Little Giants

Little plugs, Gigantic project – The future of miniaturized Ethernet

In a time in which everything the industry believed in got shattered, something new arose. Something small made to make a big impact.

At the dawn of digitalization and under the pressure of a changing world, they were developed. Born out of the power of strong ideas and shaped by the experience of decades. Ready to connect today's industry with the world of tomorrow.

Learn how the Little Giants can save you space, time, and money...

 

  • M8 D-Code
  • ix Industrial®

M8 D-Code Ethernet Connector

World's first M8 D-coded connector for 100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet from the cloud to any sensor.

M8 D-Code Ethernet Connector

Manufacturers of industrial devices have been following the trend of miniaturization for some time now, but often they can’t make their product smaller because the required connector is too big. HARTING addresses this problem with its new M8 D-coded product. The connector offers Fast Ethernet and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) via an individual miniaturized interface directly connected to the circuit board. This results in big space savings for the end device.

To optimize the benefits of miniaturization, components don’t just need to be smaller – they also need to speak a single language end-to-end, right down to the last sensor. Ethernet and Power are the vital lifelines, but two separate connections are now a luxury from the past. This means that Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is a critical requirement for smaller devices. This is one benefit the HARTING M8 D-code offers, Power and Ethernet in a single connection.

The M8 D-Code is IP67 protected making it suitable for harsh environments. In addition, standardization to PAS IEC 61076-2-114 also makes it a safe investment, as it can be combined with the connectors and sockets of various manufacturers. This means that all users can benefit from a smaller but reliable interface for miniaturization.

Benefits at a glance:

  • 30% smaller than conventional M12 connectors
  • 100 Mbit/s Cat. 5 Fast Ethernet IEEE 802.3
  • Robust design per IP67
  • Shielded solution
  • PoE capable
  • Supports PROFINET

PoE-Capable

In order to avoid taking up further space with additional power interfaces, the M8 is also PoE-capable in D-coding and can simultaneously supply data and power to field participants.

IP67 Rating for Harsh Environments

The M8 D-Code is IP67 protected making it suitable for harsh environments. In addition, standardization to PAS IEC 61076-2-114 also makes it a safe investment, as it can be combined with the connectors and sockets of various manufacturers. This means that all users can benefit from a smaller but reliable interface for miniaturization.

HARTING ix Industrial® - Ethernet Interface

The HARTING ix Industrial® is our answer to the future challenges posed by Industry 4.0 and the IoT.

HARTING ix Industrial®

The RJ45 connector has been the standard Ethernet interface in IP20 environments for many years. However, as the demand for smaller devices and sensors increases, the RJ45’s size limits the potential for miniaturization. This is why HARTING developed the ix Industrial® Ethernet connector, which is a smaller and more rugged connector than the standard RJ45. It also offers Cat. 6A performance for 1/10Gbit/s Ethernet at the control Level.

The socket size of the ix Industrial® is 70% smaller than the standard RJ45 and enables device manufacturers to use the ix Industrial® in much smaller devices. For device integration, a small yet robust socket with five THR shielding contacts is available for maximum stability on the PCB. The ix Industrial® features stable latching through the use of two metal hooks, and together with the new socket ensures an absolutely secure and vibration-proof connection from the cable to the circuit board -- for a minimum 5,000 mating cycles.

In regards to device wiring, users can take advantage of flexible, thin system cables with a tight bending radius. The ix Industrial® can be assembled with the mating face on both ends or mixed, i.e. with the ix Industrial® and the RJ45 connector on opposite ends. This enables a gradual adaptation of individual elements in the control level without the need to directly revise all systems.

The HARTING ix Industrial® interface is also standardized in accordance with IEC/PAS 61076-3-124.

Standardization

Working in tandem with its technology partner Hirose, HARTING has developed the little giant and standardized the ix Industrial® mating face according to IEC 61076-3-124. This standardization gives users investment security and, thanks to a broad technological basis, consistently offers them the right contact point for future applications in the IoT (Internet of Things).

Smaller Space Requirements

The ix Industrial® interface boasts 70% less installation space compared to typical RJ45 sockets and makes it possible to significantly reduce the size of the full spectrum of device types.

Future-Proof

Cat. 6A performance means the ix Industrial® mating face is engineered future-proof for 1/10 Gbit/s Ethernet, while its high current-carrying capacity enables current and future PoE applications. This interface consequently combines data transmission and power supply in a single interface, thereby additionally reducing the installation space required for termination technology in your applications.

For Harsh Applications

The active locking of the socket and connector is achieved using two stable snap-in hooks made of metal, providing clear haptic feedback which confirms a secure connection. The connection between cable sheath and plug connection is engineered in the form of a robust crimp connection. This ensures a perfect and robust interface that even meets the high shock and vibration resistance established in EN 50155 railway specifications, guaranteeing a long service life that boasts 5,000 mating cycles.