Hirose Electric Company IX Series I/O connector

The IX Series I/O connector, from Hirose Electric Company features a small, robust design with high-speed data transmission, enabling advancements in factory automation, data centres, security systems, programmable logic controllers and transportation applications.

The IEC PAS 61076-3-124-compliant connector consists of a plug and receptacle that support CAT5e and CAT6a cabling. With continuous, 360° shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD), the series provides secure high-speed transmission rates up to 10 Gbps.

The snap-in I/O connector has a positive metal lock with a preload spring mechanism that provides a clear tactile click and ensures complete, secure mating. The preloaded springs are designed to prevent unintended cable removal and to extend the operating life to more than 5000 mating/unmating cycles. The connector requires just one-fourth of the installation area of RJ45 solutions and saves space up to 28% compared to similar snap-in I/O connectors, according to the company.

The narrow width of the receptacle is particularly beneficial when multiple connectors are positioned side by side on a single PCB. The receptacle shell is mounted on the PCB via through-hole solder legs to enhance PCB retention and to resist the wrenching of the cable assembly, helping to protect the SMT leads. The single plug shell integrates a wire-termination unit and cable clamp, which prevents the connecting part of the cable assembly from being affected by the load on the cable.

The connector has a rated current of 0.5 A (all pins), 1 A (any two pins) and 2 A (pin No. 1 and No. 8 only), an operating temperature range of -40 to +80°C and a rated voltage of 30 VAC.