Micro-DC M12 Circular Connector with Overmolded

The M12 connector is one of the most common connectors in the industrial market and is considered as the backbone connector for IoT system connections. Part of a family of electrical connectors (types M5 to M12, determined by the diameter of their external thread). It complies with the IEC-61076-2-101 standard.
The M12 is a highly versatile product type offering a wide variety of locking mechanisms and other options. According to the IEC standard, the connector is interchangeable and backward compatible with other M12 connectors with the same coding.
The IEC61076-2-101 detailed specification specifies 5 coding methods for M12 circular connectors, and there are many types of A and C coding. The more channels (number of pins), the smaller the rated voltage and rated current, which can be suitable for different applications according to its characteristics.

M12 circular connector parameters

Dimensional drawing of M12 circular connector A-coded 5-way type:

M12 circular connector A-coded 5-way type

Pin distribution of M12 circular connector A-coded 5-way type:
(From 2-way to 5-way, the size of the M5 circular connector is compatible, and if there is a 2-pin male head, it can be inserted into any female head of this type)

Pin assignment of the M12 circular connector

In the position of the red circle shown in the figure below, there is a small gap between the 1 and 2 pins of the female head, and the corresponding position of the male head is a protrusion. This is an anti-misplug design, which ensures that only plugs with the same code and the same number of channels can be inserted correctly.

Anti-mismating design of Overmolded circular connectors

M12 circular connector A-coded 8-way type:
Several pin types are also compatible, pin diameter 0.8mm, rated voltage 30V, rated current 2A.

M12 circular connector A-coded 8-way type

M12 circular connector A-coded 12-way and 17-way types:
Also compatible, using a pin diameter of 0.6mm, a rated voltage of 30V, and a rated current of 1.5A.

M12 circular connector B coding:
The pin distribution design is not much different from the A code, but the anti-mis-insertion structure is different, which can ensure that it will not be mis-inserted.

M12 circular connector A-coded 12-way and 17-way types

M12 Circular Connector C-Coding: Dimensions are not compatible.
3, 4-way pin diameter 1mm, rated voltage 250V, rated current 4A;
The diameter of the 5 pins is 0.76mm, the rated voltage is 60V, and the rated current is 2A;
The diameter of the 6 pins is 0.76mm, the rated voltage is 30V, and the rated current is 2A.

M12 circular connector D code:

Pin diameter 1mm, rated voltage 250V, rated current 4A. When selecting the type, it should be noted that the size of the D-coded and A-coded 4-way is the same, but the anti-mis-insertion mechanism is different, and they cannot be inserted into each other to ensure reliability.

M12 circular connector P-coding:
The diameter of the pin is 1mm, the rated voltage is 60V, and the rated current is 4A. Please pay attention when selecting the type. Although the size of the 5-way P code and A code is the same, the anti-mis-insertion mechanism is different, and they cannot be inserted into each other, which ensures reliability.

epilogue
The above shared several common M series connectors for circular connectors. At present, the more common well-known brands of circular connectors on the market include: Tyco/TE, American Amphenol, Molex, German Phoenix, Binder, Japanese JST, JAE, etc.

The choice of connector can be measured according to various factors such as the manufacturer’s brand, price, and after-sales service. Then choose a product that is more cost-effective. But no matter what kind of circular connector you choose to use, you should choose according to your own needs and usage environment.

Focus on suitable connectors and learn more about connector technology. Below are more articles from past issues of the appropriate connector. Welcome to click to read!