Connector takes Ethernet to the floor

The pundits said that Ethernet was too slow for real-world, factory-floor applications, but the increased speed of Ethernet and its pervasiveness have proved them wrong. But these applications do need connectors and cables that can take abuse, and two new products help (Picture). Molex's RJ-45 Ethernet connector, which users can wire and terminate in the field, addresses that need. The circular, bayonet-style design includes a molded-in plug that meets the quick-locking and -unlocking needs of rugged applications. The back of the plug has a compression nut, providing strain relief and sealing; the nut accepts 2.9- to 6.4-mm-diameter cables. The connector sells for $13.06 (100).

Tyco is also in the industrial-Ethernet arena with a family of ruggedized RJ-45 connectors and cord sets. The shallow, pc-board-mount receptacles target use in OEM products that need an IP-67-rated, robust connection. They also offer a bulkhead pass-through receptacle to let you bring Ethernet to a control box and create a sealed, IP-67-rating interface. The ABS connectors operate for 250 mating cycles. Tyco also offers RJ-45 and RJ-11 cord sets with strain relief and a locking mechanism that seals the connector when you mate it with a matching receptacle. The pc-board-mount receptacles sell for $41 (small quantities).

Molex Inc, 1-630-969-4550, www.molex.com.

Tyco Electronics, 1-800-522-6752, www.tycoelectronics.com.