M17 is Getting Smaller

Rugged, Metal Circular Plug Connectors with a Miniature Format

While a plug connector’s component size was not particularly important in the 1980s, it certainly is more of a focus today. Electrical and electronic devices are getting smaller and smaller, and device connection technology is following suit. The new M17 Compact product range offers the same characteristics as the standard M17 range at a significantly smaller component size.

More Functions, More Performance

 

The requirements on circular plug connectors have changed significantly over time. Today, the main challenge is to implement more functions and more performance while at the same time reducing product size and weight. Particularly in areas such as consumer electronics, mobile telecommunications, and computers, devices are getting increasingly smaller and more powerful. This tendency towards miniaturization is also taking hold in industrial device connection technology.

Figure 1: Despite its dimensions being reduced by 15 percent, the M17 Compact circular plug connector can carry currents up to 20 A at 630 V.

Phoenix Contact’s new range of M17 Compact circular plug connectors offers the same range of features as the standard range but at a considerably smaller component size. Compared to the standard M17 range, size has been reduced by 15 percent - without compromising on any of the features (Fig. 1). The diameter of this cable connector has been reduced from 21.3 mm to a sleek 18.7 mm. Similarly, the length has been reduced from 52.3 mm to 44.5 mm. Despite this dimensional downsize, the M17 Compact circular plug connector still manages to carry a current of 20 A at a nominal voltage of 630 V. With ratings like that, this plug connector range represents a compact alternative to the existing M23 connectors.

 

Compact Housing Design

Figure 2: M17 Compact housing types: Plug-in cable and coupler connectors (top); straight device plug connector and panel feed-through (bottom).

In order for the device connection technology to facilitate miniaturization while retaining the same power rating, four new compact housing types have been developed to provide a flexible approach to individual electrical connections (Fig. 2). As well as the plug-in cable connector, which features the Speedcon quick locking system, the product range includes a matching coupler plug connector for flying connections. A straight device plug connector with flange mounting is provided for connecting to walls of housings and switching cabinets. Fastening of the device plug connector to the device is provided by a four-hole flange with M3-size screws. The flange dimensions are a low, space-saving 21.6 mm x 21.6 mm. The fourth housing type included in the M17 Compact range is a panel feed-through, which provides highly flexible mounting options. A simple changeover of the molded seal on the other side of the flange turns the panel feed-through from a front-wall to a rear-wall feed-through. Like the straight device plug connector, the flange is fastened to the device using four screws.

Added Value through Personalisation

Individual coding of the plug connectors with color rings offers users a great method for easy identification. Three standard colors are offered: As well as classic black, orange and green color rings make it easy to distinguish between power and signal connections. This means that even for large plants and systems with many similar plug connections, nothing gets confused or plugged in incorrectly. On drives, color coding provides a visual distinction between the power plug and the signal plug (Fig. 3).

Figure 3: Visual color coding helps to distinguish between connectors.

Schematic diagram of the frequency transducer.

Personalized color schemes for plug connectors to match customer requirements are also available. Connector customers can get all products color-coded to precisely match their needs.

Quick Locking

The Speedcon quick locking system also extends to the plug connectors of the M17 Compact range. With Speedcon, the connector is ‘blindly’ plugged onto the equipment flange and locked in place by simply turning the knurled nut by half a revolution. This greatly simplifies handling, especially where installation space is restricted. This is important because device and drive manufacturers are also miniaturizing their device sizes and installation spaces. The plug connector nevertheless remains fully resilient to leaks and vibrations. The new knurled design, marked ‘open - locked,’ provides quick visual guidance for users. There is never any confusion about whether the plug connection is open or safely locked.

Wide Range of Pin Patterns

Despite its compact dimensions, the M17 Compact carries currents up to 20 A at a rated voltage of 630 V. The following pin counts and patterns are available for carrying power: 4 (3+PE), 6 (5+PE), 7 (6+PE), 8 (7+PE), and 9 (5+3+PE).

The M17 Compact range not only offers pin patterns for carrying power but also two for carrying signals. 8-pin and 17-pin insulators are available for reliable signal transmission. A special trait of all of the contact holders is that they can be fitted with pin contacts as well as socket contacts. The contacts are radially clipped into the contact holder, which makes connector assembly easy and non-confusing.

The M17 Compact range features vibration-proof crimp connectors. For all pin patterns except the 4-pin and 17-pin patterns, the contact diameter is 1 mm. The 4-pin pattern has 2 mm contacts in order to facilitate the high carrying capacity. The 17-pin pattern, conversely, has contact diameters of just 0.6 mm so that all the contacts fit on the holder. Thanks to such a wide range of pin patterns, these connectors can be used for just about any application.

Generous Conductor Cross Sections Despite Miniature Component Dimensions

For signal transmission, conductor cross sections can range from 0.06 mm² all the way up to 1 mm². For power-carrying connections, conductor cross sections up to 2.5 mm² are possible. The cable clamping areas range from a cable diameter of 3.5 mm right up to 12.7 mm. The cable shielding can be fixed to the housing using a 360° surround contact and does not affect the cable diameter. The shielding mesh does not need to be cut down to a specific length for this. Because the contacts are clipped on laterally and the shielding does not need to be cut, assembling these plug connectors is easy and saves time.

The plug connectors of the M17 range are frequently used to connect electric drives of different power classes. In this context, they can function either as power or as signal-carrying connectors. Other areas of application can be found wherever industrial-level power or signal transmission is required. Thanks to protection class IP67, which all M17 Compact-type connectors achieve when locked, these connectors are a tidy, compact solution for providing power to devices and drive units in industrial environments. There are many typical industrial areas of application for them, ranging from drive technology to tool making to production machine engineering. The plug connectors are equally at home transmitting signals for control panels as they are in sensor/actuator cabling.

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