M12liitännät

M12liitännät are a family of standardized circular connectors commonly used in industrial automation, sensor and actuator applications, and fieldbus technology. The "M12" designation refers to the metric thread size, specifically a 12mm diameter. These connectors are designed for robust performance in harsh environments, offering protection against dust, water, and vibration.

The M12 connector system typically features a screw-on coupling mechanism to ensure a secure connection. They are available in various configurations, including different pin counts (e.g., 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, 12-pin) and keying options (e.g., A-coded, B-coded, D-coded, X-coded). Each coding scheme designates a specific application or signal type to prevent incorrect mating. For instance, A-coded connectors are often used for sensors and actuators, B-coded for fieldbuses like Profibus, and D-coded for Ethernet communication. X-coded connectors are designed for high-speed data transmission, supporting Gigabit Ethernet.

M12 connectors are manufactured with materials that withstand demanding conditions, such as industrial oils, coolants, and high or low temperatures. Their sealing, often achieved with O-rings, provides IP67 or IP69K protection ratings, making them suitable for washdown applications. The standardized nature of M12 connectors ensures interoperability between products from different manufacturers, simplifying system design and maintenance in industrial settings.