Industrial Connectors and Cables

An international association whose members represent the world's leading automation companies, ODVA (http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-538) stands for Open DeviceNet Vendors Assn. DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP use ODVA's Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) for the upper layers of their network protocol. CIP is a media-independent platform that provides the interoperability and interchangeability essential to open networks and systems. To ensure interoperability, ODVA offers conformance testing to verify products built to its specifications operate in multi-vendor systems. This conformance extends to connectors and cables used for the three CIP-based protocols.

Other industrial system requirements rely on standards from organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. (NEMA). In the quest for smaller enclosures, smaller connectors can provide part of the solution but not at the expense of ruggedness. According to Dave Rifkin, product manager, Molex, "The industrial, mobile and military markets are constantly seeking ways to reduce PCB real estate and enclosure size with compact, yet environmentally rugged interconnect solutions." As a result, in addition to ODVA compliance, connectors with IEC 60529 IP67 environmental rating (http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-539), for dust-tight protection and submersible up to 1m, make a good combination. For cables that conform to ODVA, meeting or exceeding NEC ratings for CL2, a voltage rating of not less than 150V, or CL3, a voltage rating of not less than 300V, provides additional benefits.

Sealed Circular Fiberoptic Connector

Tyco Electronics Corp.'s sealed circular LC ODVA-compliant fiber-optic connectors have an IP67 rating, as well. The outer portion of the plug, receptacle and protective cover are made of Polybutylene Terephtalate (PBT) plastic with silicone providing a seal for each of these units. In addition to moisture, temperature and humidity, the sealed system resists many chemicals and corrosive gases. The connector system consists of singlemode and multimode plugs, singlemode and multimode receptacles, as well as assembly bases and caps for plugs and receptacles. The sealed connectors have typical multimode attenuation loss performance of 0.20 dB (singlemode 0.10 dB), typical multimode return loss of 45 dB (55 dB singlemode) and durability of up to 500 cycles. Target applications include locations where fluids or gases may be present, including indoor and outdoor industrial plants, as well as mobile routers or Internet hardware.

http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-540

Sealed Assembly for Optical and Copper Connectivity

Molex Sealed SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) assembly is an optical and electrical-integrated connection system that meets ODVA requirements. The units have an IP67-rated interface for dust and water protection. An electronically conductive sealing gasket in the die-cast receptacle provides EMI suppression. In addition to industrial applications such as system controls, monitoring and data routers, the optical and electrical-integrated connector systems can be used for Wi-Fi and WiMax wireless base station and antenna feed applications, telecommunication application and more.

http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-541

Rugged Devicenet Cable

Designed for tough industrial environments, Northwire Inc.'s ODVA DeviceNet cable is an extension of the company's DataCELL FIELD line. Three different versions are offered. The thick, 600V-rated version exceeds CL2 and CL3 requirements per NEC 725.61. The thin version has a 300V rating. A special PLTC (Power Limited Tray Cable) thin is designed with #22 AWG data pair and is PLTC-rated exceeding CL2 and CL3 per NEC 725.61. All DataCELL FIELD cables have a PVC jacket that resists oil, light and water and are available in standard and custom colors.

http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-542