Compact I/O connector enhances speed, EMI/ESD shielding

Hirose has released an I/O connector for industrial modules used in factory automation controllers, programmable logic controllers, servo amps, servers, and robotics. The IX Series snap-in I/O connector supports Cat5 cabling and comes in a compact package of 22.9 x 8.4 x 14.3 mm.

Hirose claims to have designed a rugged and reliable I/O connector that enhances EMI/ESD shielding and extends transmission speeds to 3 Gbps. More importantly, it helps downsize industrial modules with a space saving of up to 65% compared to RJ45 solutions.
The IX Series connectors offer size reduction of up to 28% when compared to the competing snap-in I/O connectors. The connector’s small receptacle footprint is especially critical in reducing the size of an industrial unit comprised of multiple daisy-chained I/O modules.

The connector design allows receptacles to be mounted in parallel with a pitch distance of just 10 mm. And the narrow width of the receptacle is very helpful when multiple connectors are positioned on a single PCB side by side.

The receptacle shell is mounted on the PCB via through-hole solder legs to enhance PCB retention. And that resists the wrenching of the cable assembly and protects the SMT leads. The IX Series connector also integrates the wire-termination unit and cable clamp into a single plug shell to ensure that the connecting part of the cable assembly isn’t affected by the load on the cable.

Hirose asserts that its new design has extended the operating life of the connector to more than 5,000 mating/unmating cycles. Moreover, its positive metal lock with a preload spring mechanism provides a clear tactile click and ensures complete and secure mating. The preloaded springs prevent any unintended cable removal.