News and New Products

Ethernet takes to industry

By Bill Schweber -- EDN, 7/6/2005

Not too long ago, many pundits said that Ethernet would be unsuitable for industrial, medical, or field applications for a variety of reasons. However, the momentum of the standard and its performance improvements proved them wrong. A successful installation, however, does mandate connectors that can withstand the expected abuse and environmental conditions (Picture).

One such connector, the industrial circular-Ethernet connector from Tyco Electronics, is a sealed RJ-45 device with a quick-connect bayonet coupling mechanism that meets the ODVA (Open Devicenet Vendors Association) interoperability specification and IP67 sealing requirements for Category 5e cables. The positive-lock coupling ring ensures proper mating and retention between connector halves. Tyco offers the connector for $18 to $20 per mated pair (500) in pass-through and field-installable versions; they also offer a protective cover for enhanced ruggedness.

Tyco Electronics, www.tycoelectronics.com.