we get technical

61
 Understanding
and choosing
GHz-range
coaxial
connectors
and cable
assemblies

BNC connector, are no longer

adequate due to their physical bulk
and performance limits.
By Bill Schweber Radio frequency (RF) connectors
Contributed By DigiKey's and their completed coaxial (coax) To meet the many challenges of
North American Editors cable assemblies provide essential today’s designs, engineers can
signal pathways between circuit choose from among many specific
boards, subassemblies, and types available in several major
chassis. An appropriate connector families, each offering some
will at least provide the required combination of higher bandwidth,
minimum electrical performance less bulk, and the use of thinner
and mechanical ruggedness. coaxial cables. These connectors
However, the RF connector families are available in a wide variety of
which have served for many years, pc board termination styles as
­including the bayonet-attachment well as cable termination types to

62
meet the many classes of physical elements in almost any product Classic connectors such as the
installation priorities. Designers design. The “ideal” connector BNC (Bayonet Neil-Concelman),
must therefore first select the offers critical mechanical offered in 50 Ω and 75 Ω versions
appropriate connector family to attributes such as convenient (the latter for video and TV), have
meet the design requirements and mating and unmating, mechanical been widely used since the 1950s
then the style within that family. and electrical integrity, and it and are still in use (Figure 1).
should be electrically invisible This locking connector features
This article will look at five widely
with no DC ohmic resistance or a one-third turn, quick-connect/
used gigahertz (GHz) range, RF
RF impedance discontinuities. disconnect action via a “bayonet”
connector families. It will also look at
The challenges of designing, system. Although the frequency
the closely related issue of complete
manufacturing, and using response is formally rated to 4 GHz,
cable assemblies terminated
connectors increase with the connector’s losses increase
with the chosen connector, using
operating frequency. As their to often unacceptable levels at
components from the various
required operating frequency higher frequencies. Physically, it is
families from Würth Elektronik.
extends into the RF domain, not a good fit for today’s compact,
into and above the gigahertz densely packed designs due to its
The basics of RF (GHz) range, their mechanical relatively large size and the large
construction by necessity minimum bending radius of a
connectors
becomes increasingly precise, complete cable assembly.
It’s important to clarify connector- with many critical performance
related terminology. A “connector” attributes and parameters.
is the metal termination which can
be mated and unmated as needed,
while the “cable” is the coaxial
wire consisting of an inner copper
conductor, spacing dielectric, outer
shield, and insulation to which the
connector is attached. A “cable
assembly” is the combination of
a cable with a connector at one
or both ends. However, the term
“cable” is often used in place
of “cable assembly” in casual
conversation, and the actual
meaning is usually clear from the
context. We will use these terms in
their strict sense in this article.
Figure 1: The BNC connector includes a bayonet body lock and has been widely used
While connectors are passive since its development in the early 1950s, but it is not a good electrical or mechanical
components and don’t provide fit for many of today’s high-frequency, space-constrained applications. A male plug is
any signal processing or usually used with cable assembles (left); a female jack (right), for use on instrument
enhancement, they are essential panels. (Image source: Wikipedia; Pinterest)

we get technical
63
Understanding and choosing GHz-range coaxial connectors and cable assemblies

Newer families for new

applications

Many industry-standard connector

families are available which are
more effective for higher frequency,
more compact applications.
Among the most popular are the
SMA, SMB, SMP, MMX, and MMCX
families, all with the standard 50
Ω RF impedance. Each offers a
different combination of electrical
and mechanical characteristics. In
contrast to the 17 millimeter (mm)
diameter of the BNC connector, these
connectors have a much smaller
diameter in the range of 5 mm.

This article will look at a single

connector member in each of these
Figure 2: Subminiature SMA series connectors use a threaded coupling for
families. However, within each enhanced mechanical integrity in the face of intense vibration. (Image source:
family, there are many members Würth Elektronik)
with nearly identical electrical
specifications, but very different
mechanical configurations and
arrangements. These include the likelihood that there is one insulator increase axial force and
printed circuit board (pc board) available off-the-shelf that has a torque. The thick gold plating on
versions with a right angle body or specific form factor that is well- the center contact contributes to
a straight body, and with surface suited to the product design and enhanced electrical performance
mount, through-hole, or end constraints. This means there will and up to 500 mating cycles.
launch termination; rear-mounted be little or no change required to
A good example of this type of
bulkhead types; and panel mounted the mechanical design priorities of
connector is Würth Elektronik’s
versions with solder cup, flat tab, the product. Now, a closer look at
60312242114510, a DC to 10 GHz
or round post connection. There these five families:
SMA connector jack with a female
are also different arrangements for
•SMA: Subminiature SMA series socket (Figure 3). It is designed for
mating connectors that go on the
coaxial connectors are designed board edge use and end launch
end of the cable, such as straight
with threaded coupling technology orientation. This panel mount solder
and right angle variations.
to ensure high mechanical stability connector also comes with a front-
Having so many options within in the face of intense vibration side nut and lock washer to facilitate
a given connector type is good (Figure 2). The connector’s bulkhead (panel) attachment for
for designers as it increases captivated center contact and additional rigidity in the end product.

64
Figure 3: The 60312242114510 DC to 10 GHz SMA connector jack with a female socket includes a front-
side nut and associated lock washer for additional mechanical integrity when mounted through a panel
or bulkhead (all dimensions in millimeters). (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

Key RF specifications include

voltage standing wave ratio
(VSWR) under 1.2 and insertion
loss (IL) of less than 0.14 decibels
(dB) from DC to 12.4 GHz, with
corresponding VSWR and IL
numbers of 1.4 and 0.2 dB from
12.4 to 18 GHz.

•SMB: Connectors in the SMB

series are designed for snap-
on coupling with broadband
capability from DC up to 4 GHz.
They are smaller than SMA series
connectors and thus are well suited
for circuit miniaturization. Among
the available SMB connectors are
pc board receptacles for through- Figure 4: SMB connectors are snap-on devices that are smaller than the SMA
hole and surface mount, as well as connectors and not threaded; they are also available in a range of configurations.
edge card and cable connectors for (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

plugs and jacks (Figure 4).

we get technical
65
Understanding and choosing GHz-range coaxial connectors and cable assemblies

An example of an SMB connector

is the 61611002121501, a male pin,
right angle, through-hole, solder
connector jack, with a VSWR of 1.5
and an insertion loss under 0.2 dB
(Figure 5). Like the SMA device, it is
also rated at 500 mating cycles.

•SMP series: These miniature

connectors with both slide-in and
snap-on features can be used in
applications up to 40 GHz. They are Figure 5: The 61611002121501 SMB connector is a snap-on right angle unit designed
available with three interface types: for through-hole board attachment and soldering, which is smaller than the SMA unit
but has comparable specifications. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)
full “dent” with maximum retention
for high vibrant resistance (100
cycles); limited dent with medium
to low retention (500 cycles); and
smooth bore (1000 cycles) with the
lowest retention achieved via sliding
contacts for modular systems and
applications (Figure 6).

One of the connectors in this series

is the 60114202122305, a surface
mount, edge card connector with
an extended solder leg for circuit
boards having up to a 1.2 mm
maximum thickness (Figure 7). It Figure 6: Connectors in the SMP series offer a variety of retention ratings, including
limited dent for medium to low retention (left) and 500 cycle rating; and smooth bore
is specified to have a VSWR of 1.5
(right) with the lowest retention but double the number of cycles. (Image source:
and an insertion loss of 0.42 dB
Würth Elektronik)
from DC to 12 GHz.

Figure 7: The 60114202122305

is a smooth bore, edge card
connector in the SMP series
that is rated to 12 GHz. (Image
source: Würth Elektronik)

66
•MCX series: Connectors in the
Figure 8: The MCX connector series
MCX (Micro Coaxial) series feature
is an even smaller snap-on family of
a snap-on coupling mechanism connectors that are compatible with
for fast and convenient connection IEC 61169-36. (Image source: Würth
and are intended for operation Elektronik)
from DC to 6 GHz (Figure 8).
These connectors are compatible
with IEC 61169-36, “Radio-
frequency connectors - Part 36:
Microminiature r.f. connectors with
snap-on coupling - Characteristic
impedance 50 Ω (Type MCX)”.

The 60612202111308 is a surface

mount, edge launch jack in the MCX
series, suitable for boards up to 1.6
mm thick. It has a VSWR of 1.3 and
insertion loss of 0.25 dB over that
range and is rated for 500 cycles.
Figure 9: The MCX series 60612202111308 surface mount, edge launch jack has an
•MMCX series: These connectors
insertion loss of just 0.25 dB to 6 GHz. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)
are approximately 30% smaller
compared to the MCX connectors
and are suitable for applications
with ultra-small design
requirements (Figure 10). They have
a snap-on coupling mechanism for
fast and easy connection and also
meet IEC 61169-36.

Figure 10: Connectors in the MMCX

series are approximately 30% smaller
than those in the MCX series and
exhibit comparable RF performance.
(Image source: Würth Elektronik)

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67
Understanding and choosing GHz-range coaxial connectors and cable assemblies

As an example, the Figure 11: The 66046011210320 MMCX plug is designed to be crimped onto a cable
66046011210320 MMCX plug is a such as the RG174, RG316, and RG188 coaxial types. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

male pin, “free-hanging” (in-line),

crimp connector in the MMCX
family (Figure 11). This 6 GHz
connector works with RG174,
RG316, and RG188 coaxial cables,
and features a VSWR of 1.3 and
insertion loss of 0.3 dB.

Specialty connectors,
adapters round out the
families

Given the wide range of connectors Figure 12: Shown are the many available SMA plug and jack adapters that provide a
in use, it is inevitable that there seamless transition to SMB, MCX, and MMCX family connectors of various types.
(Image source: Würth Elektronik)
would be a need for adapters to
enable interconnection between
one family and another. Würth
Elektronik offers several complete
series of adapters that support
transitions from one connector
type and gender to another, such

as from SMA plugs and jacks to

the other connector plug and jack
series (Figure 12).

68
There’s another special connector
type that can confuse designers
at first: the reverse polarity (RP)
connector. The standard connector
configuration is to have a male
(pin) center contact in the plug,
and a corresponding female
(receptacle) in the jack. But in
the US, Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) regulations
mandate reverse gender “polarity”
in some unique cases. Figure 13: RP SMA plug and jack connectors have the opposite center conductor
gender compared to conventional SMA connectors; (left to right) standard SMA male
The situation dates back several
connector, SMA standard female connector, RP-SMA female connector, RP-SMA male
decades when wireless Wi-Fi routers connector. (Image source: Wikipedia)
for consumer use were introduced.
They were designed for limited
range using a small antenna having
a connector at its base which
screwed directly into the Wi-Fi unit’s
antenna connection, and thus with
no ability to relocate it. However, the
FCC was concerned that end-users
would attempt to boost the device’s
range with add-on amplifiers and/
or external antennas, causing Wi-Fi
band interference. Their “solution”
was to attempt to prevent easy
connection of such add-ons by
mandating the use of RP connectors
on these wireless devices (which
often used SMA connectors) to
make them incompatible with
standard add-ons (Figure 13).

Within a short time, however,

cable assemblies terminated
with RP connector pairs became
widely available and were
standard add-ons for devices Figure 14: This external Wi-Fi antenna can be moved around to find an optimal location
such as external, relocatable Wi- and is connector compatible with the antenna interface on the Wi-Fi router due to its
Fi antennas (Figure 14). RP-SMA connector. (Image source: Amazon)

we get technical
69
Understanding and choosing GHz-range coaxial connectors and cable assemblies

One available RP-SMA Figure 15: Reverse polarity (RP) connectors are available in range of circuit board styles
jack connector is the panel as well as cable termination configurations. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

mount, through-hole solder

63012042124504 (Figure 16). This
connector features a VSWR of 1.2
from DC to 12.4 GHz, and 1.4 from
12.4 to 18 GHz, while the insertion
loss in those two ranges is 0.14 dB
and 0.2 dB, respectively.

Cables and assemblies

complete the connections

Connectors alone are only part of

the RF signal path scenario; their
plugs are usually fitted to standard
coaxial cables such as RG174, Figure 16: The 63012042124504 is a reverse polarity SMA connector designed for
RG316, and RG188, among others. through-hole mounting and soldering. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)
Although all are 50 Ω cables for RF
work (75 Ω cables and connectors
are available for video systems),
they differ in frequency range,
attenuation, diameter, dielectric
type, phase characteristics,
power handling, minimum bend
radius, external jacketing, and
other mechanical and electrical
attributes (Figure 17).

Designers must also decide

whether to make their own coaxial
cable assemblies or buy them
already fabricated—the classic
“make versus buy” question. It
is possible to terminate these Further, these completed cable and phase shift, to cite just a
coaxial cables with the selected assemblies need more than just few factors. These electrical
connectors as needed—the “make” a simple continuity test; they tests take time and require
option—but doing so is a challenge also need to be checked for sophisticated measurement
which takes skill, practice, time, RF performance factors such equipment, and the assemblies
suitable crimping tools, and other as bandwidth and flatness, need mechanical ruggedness
tooling in many cases. impedance discontinuities, loss, added via strain relief.

70
Figure 17: Designers can choose among a wide array of 50 Ω coaxial cables, differing
in many electrical and mechanical characteristics. Shown is the attenuation versus
frequency—an important specification— for some common standard coaxial cables.
(Image source: Würth Elektronik)

Fortunately, cable assemblies cable (0.102 in/2.59 mm outside

are available in many lengths diameter), with heat shrink tubing
as standard, stocked items for added over the connector/cable
the most common cable and junctions for strain relief and
connector types. They also come ruggedness (Figure 18).
in custom lengths and connector
The datasheet for this cable
pairings with fairly short delivery
assembly includes comprehensive
times. Consider, for example, the Figure 18: The 65503503530505 is a
mechanical and material details and
Würth 65503503530505, a 12 standard 12-inch coaxial cable assembly
dimensions, as well as guaranteed using RG-316 cable with straight SMA
inch/305 mm cable assembly
specifications for VSWR (1.3) and male plugs on each end; note the strain
with a straight SMA male plug on
insertion loss (1.2 dB) from DC to 6 relief between connector and cable.
each end, using RG-316 coaxial
GHz. There is also a chart showing (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

we get technical
71
Understanding and choosing GHz-range coaxial connectors and cable assemblies

Figure 19: Shown is the attenuation versus frequency for the 65503503530505 cable attenuation versus frequency per
assembly. (Image source: Würth Elektronik) 100 feet, so users can quickly
determine the attenuation for this
or any chosen length of cable
assembly style (Figure 19).

The wide range of vendor-supplied

cable assemblies is not limited to
having the same connector type
at each end, but can instead also
directly address interconnect
and transition issues as well. For
example, the 65530260515303
is a short (6 inch/152 mm) cable
assembly using RG-174 cable with
an RP-SMA bulkhead male jack on
one end and a straight MMCX male
jack on the other (Figure 20).

There’s one more thing to keep

in mind with these connectors
and their cable assemblies: they
are small and sometimes difficult
to handle when tightening or
loosening their threaded body. At
the same time, they need to be
torqued to a specified value: too
little torque and they may not make
Figure 20: Cable reliable contact; too much and
assemblies can also
their threads may be stressed and
be used as transitions
between different deformed, causing their number
connector families; of mating/unmating cycles to be
the 65530260515303 reduced. For this reason, Würth
assembly, for example, Elektronik offers the 6006330101
uses RG-174 cable
WR-Tool, a small torque wrench for
and has an RP-SMA
bulkhead male jack on
all WR-SMA connectors (Figure 21).
one end and a straight
MMCX male jack on the
other. (Image source:
Würth Elektronik)

72
Figure 21: The 6006330101 WR-Tool ensures that the SMA connector threaded body is properly and consistently torqued, which is
often challenging given the small size of the SMA body. (Image source: Würth Elektronik)

The use of this tool ensures that

the applied connector torque
is at the specified level, thus
ensuring proper contact mating,
maximizing reliability, and
consistent performance.

Conclusion

Designers of RF circuits and

systems with frequencies
extending into the gigahertz range
have a choice of connectors
with different sizes, body styles,
gender arrangements, and other
critical parameters. By selecting
a connector with appropriate
electrical and mechanical
specifications, and torquing it
correctly, the challenges of ensuring
reliable, consistent, low-loss signal
paths between circuits, subcircuits,
and systems are minimized.

we get technical
73
 Connectivity –
the backbone
of sustainable
automation

(Image source:
PeopleImages via
Getty Images)

74
By Dr. Matthias Laasch,
laasch:tec technology editorial consulting

Technologies such as SPE, PoDL, between Operational Technology hand, lowers operating costs but,
and Ethernet APL overcome (OT) and Information Technology on the other hand, makes a decisive
traditional limitations of industrial (IT). With Industrial Ethernet, a contribution to the sustainability of
communication. Advanced technology is available today process and factory plants.
interfaces for signals, data, and that can seamlessly interconnect
electrical power are essential here: even field-level devices via TCP/
they help automation providers IP to companies' cloud-based
Rugged RJ45 alternative
save resources and costs when data infrastructures broadband The physical backbone of these
networking production equipment. and cost-efficiently. Unlike networks, particularly of Industrial
fieldbuses, Industrial Ethernet Ethernet, is high-performance
Digitalization and seamless data
crosses all levels of automation – interconnect technology that
networks penetrating corporate
end-to-end, from the field device allows for reliable transmission
processes right down to the field
to the cloud. Factory and plant of signals and data between the
level of production are a lasting
operators can thus access device various nodes of the automation
trend in automation technology.
data in real time and use it for networks. In addition to the
Their goal is to create highly
their production planning, process physical robustness they require in
flexible production environments
control, and data analysis. industrial use, such solutions face
that can be customized to
a number of new challenges today,
achieve an unprecedented level of The Industrial Ethernet enables, for
resulting, for example, from the
diversification and productivity. For example, the real-time acquisition
sheer quantity of network nodes,
this purpose, the manufacturing and analysis of data from
their miniaturization, or the high
industry is experiencing a sensors, power supplies, or drives.
transmission bandwidth. These
disruptive transformation under Information about temperature
include, in particular, compact
the umbrella of 'Industry 4.0', with change or vibrations at critical
form factors, reduced installation
the sustainable use of all available points as well as load profiles
and cabling effort, high signal
resources being one of the most allow conclusions to be drawn
integrity – i.e., sophisticated
important aspects. for the optimization of process
shielding against electromagnetic
parameters. They announce
interference – and reliability over
when overload situations are
From field to cloud to be expected and signal the
long transmission distances. The
seamlessly need for maintenance at an early
latter is particularly relevant in
extended plant fields. Increasingly,
stage. Predictive maintenance
Seamless connectivity the power supply of devices using
is of particular importance here,
between machines, products, data connectors is also required.
as it helps operators to improve
and – in the final instance
the availability of their plants and The standard interface for Ethernet
– people is characteristic of
machines, as well as to minimize communication is the widely used
this transformation, which is
energy consumption and use of RJ45 connector. Users frequently
beginning to massively penetrate
resources – which, on the one report problems with the contacts
the traditional boundaries

we get technical
75
Connectivity – the backbone of sustainable automation

or broken latching elements; RJ45 to the manufacturer, space savings ix Industrial is an interface
also limits miniaturization due to its of up to 70% on the circuit board developed by HARTING in
size. In contrast, alternatives such are possible compared to standard conjunction with Japanese
as the ix Industrial interface from RJ45. The 360°-shielded connector connector specialist Hirose. Its
German supplier HARTING (Figure 1) is designed for 10-Gbit/s Ethernet dimensions, electrical properties,
are substantially smaller and much communication and is compatible and coding comply with the
more robust, particularly resistant with PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) as IEC 61076-3-124 standard.
to shock and vibration. According well as PoE+ for power transmission. Other manufacturers, such as
the US company Amphenol
Figure 1: Considerably smaller and more robust than standard RJ45 connectors: Communications Solutions, also
HARTING's industrial Ethernet interface ix Industrial. (Image source: HARTING) offer products with comparable
properties that are intermateable
with ix Industrial: for example,
push-pull connectors for harsh
environments in protection
degrees IP65/66/67, ix Mag
connectors featuring integrated
magnets (Figure 2), or Ethernet-
to-RJ45 cable assemblies with
angled RJ45 connectors; they
provide both 100-Gbit Ethernet
and PoE/PoE+ functionality.

ix Industrial use case

The following example illustrates

the enormous potential of high-
performance, miniaturized
Ethernet interfaces for Industry
4.0 applications:

The XTS linear transport system from

automation specialist Beckhoff is a
drive solution that uses magnetically
driven movers traveling along a
Figure 2: Amphenol ix Mag:
Ethernet communication up track of fully integrated motor
to 10 Gbit/s, 360° shielding modules. According to Beckhoff,
and PoE++ up to 90 W their independent control allowing
(Image source: Amphenol for individual motion profiles is
Communications Solutions)

76
the starting point of new machine allows for two 100-Mbit/s Ethernet and particularly productive and,
concepts that enable more flexible connections. Thus, eight instead moreover, promise increased
manufacturing processes with of four ports could be mounted on network security. This is because
shorter downtimes, such as retooling. the same board, and two Ethernet intelligent nodes such as smart
channels could be installed per sensors or edge computers,
In order for the movers to
port instead of one. which are capable of performing
follow their movement pattern,
certain data processing tasks
a computer must constantly As a result, 48 instead of twelve
autonomously, reduce sensitive
calculate the switching and ports were implemented on
data traffic between the edge
current supply of the respective the three computer boards.
and the cloud. The advantages of
motor modules. For this purpose, Accordingly, with the latest XTS
decentralization are self-evident, but
a total of three computer boards generation, 48 instead of twelve
the number of connected devices
can be combined, each of which XTS lines can now be used per
in the field is growing enormously,
previously had four RJ45 sockets unit, corresponding to a 400-%
and so are the efforts for cabling
as ports. To allow more movers increase in the performance of
and connectivity. Their economic
to be operated in the latest the transport system.
use, both in terms of material and
generation of the XTS system
installation effort as well as energy
without having to change the
Two wires – instead of four consumption, is becoming a strong
dimensions of the system, the
criterion for the sustainability of
RJ45 sockets were replaced by or eight
manufacturing facilities.
the ix Industrial interface from
One distinctive attribute of today's
HARTING. Reliable shielding and Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)
industrial automation technology
high data throughput were the is considered a decisive
is its migration from hierarchical
main requirements here. Unlike breakthrough in efficiency
to decentralized architectures.
RJ45, each ix Industrial connector and cost-effectiveness. The
These are considered advanced
communication technology
is defined by the IEEE 802.3
standard; the IEC 63171-x
series of standards applies
to the respective connectors.
Essentially, it enables field
components to be connected
via just one twisted pair, i.e., two
wires instead of the previous four
or even eight: low-cost, resource-
efficient, and therefore extremely
sustainable. Originally developed
for automotive electronics,

we get technical
77
Connectivity – the backbone of sustainable automation

Figure 3. Single-Pair Ethernet allows for resource- and cost-efficiently integrating the field level into broadband Ethernet
communication. (Image source: SPE Industrial Partner Network)

SPE meets the requirements of 360° EMI shielding (Figure 4). The Phoenix Contact also provides a
many automation providers: The PoDL-capable T1 is available in comprehensive SPE portfolio for
single pair of wires enables them circular designs, including M8 and field cabling to and from control
to integrate a large number of M12. In terms of protection degrees, cabinets, sensors, switches,
instruments, controllers, and other the product spectrum ranges from and gateways. This supplier's
devices into Ethernet networks at IP20 to IP67, and according to products include, for example,
gigabit data rates (Figure 3). the manufacturer, the respective board connectors or cable
interface counterparts are designed assemblies for use in industrial
Another advantage: thanks to PoDL
to meet the protection classes and IP20 to IP67 environments.
compatibility (Power-over-Data-Line,
ensure interoperability.
IEEE P802.3bu), the same pair of
wires is able to deliver not only data
but also electrical power to the field
devices. In addition to actuators and
sensors, in the power range of the
previous PoE supply, camera-based
instruments can be connected and
powered via PoDL, for example.

Products for Single-Pair

Ethernet

In the SPE segment, HARTING

is taking a position with its T1 Figure 1: Considerably smaller and more robust than standard RJ45 connectors:
connector, including locking and HARTING's industrial Ethernet interface ix Industrial. (Image source: HARTING)

78
The open-source tool provider
SparkFun Electronics offers an
SPE function board to support
developers in designing applications
with Single-Pair Ethernet (Figure
5). The board, called MicroMod
COM-19038, includes an ADIN1110
Ethernet transceiver from Analog
Devices, passive components from
Würth Elektronik, and a HARTING T1
connector. An integrated MAC (Media
Access Control) interface enables
serial communication with a host
controller at 10 Mbit/s in full duplex
mode. The board supports network
nodes via 1700 m cable lengths, but
it is not designed to supply power to
the nodes via this cable. Kirk Benell,
CTO of SparkFun, presents the Figure 5: Demonstrator for an ambient sensor featuring a display. (Image source:
development board in a demo video. SparkFun Electronics)

End-to-end networking in
called Ethernet Advanced Physical allow real-time access to device
process technology Layer (Ethernet APL) enters data, which supports operators in
The technical advantages of the scene: it defines a physical plant and process optimization.
Single-Pair Ethernet, for example, transmission layer for Ethernet Their benefits are clearly evident
concerning condition monitoring communication at 10 Mbit/s as well in reduced operating costs, higher
and predictive maintenance, as for power supply via one twin availability, and optimized use of
are also beneficial for process wire – as with SPE – over distances energy and resources. Advanced
automation. However, an extended of up to 1000 m. Like SPE, Ethernet connection technologies such as
requirements profile for Ethernet APL is perfectly suited for universal, ix Industrial interfaces and SPE
connectivity applies here. In multipurpose field instrumentation. connectors with PoDL capability
addition to robust and broadband ensure reliable data and power
real-time communication, as it transmission between all network
Summary nodes. This makes them key
is also required on a shopfloor,
wide-ranging process plants Industrial Ethernet, and particularly components of Industry 4.0
require data transfer over long Single-Pair Ethernet, support and a backbone of sustainable
distances. Furthermore, automation broadband networking of automation concepts.
components must be intrinsically production equipment. They enable
safe for use in potentially explosive seamless communication from
environments. This is where the so- the field level to the cloud and

we get technical
79
Understanding USB
specifications for
selecting the correct
cables, plugs, and jacks
By Terry Persun
Contributed By DigiKey's
North American Editors

USB (universal serial bus) cables, and much more. The key to USB has long been the standard for
connectors, and jacks are used incorporating the right product connecting everything, including
in a wide variety of industrial for an application is to remember keyboards, mice, cameras, phone
applications, such as industrial that different generations of chargers, computers, and wall
sensors, control modules, digital USB devices directly affect adapters. These connectors are
signage, point-of-sale terminals, performance. used to transfer data and power

80
between devices. Early USB cables
and connectors could only transfer
data at slow speeds of up to about
12 Mbps, until the year 2000 when
the USB 2.0 was introduced. That is
when the drive toward higher device
speeds began to grow quickly.

In this article, the necessary detailed

knowledge of the different types
of USB connectors and cables, as
well as their capabilities, will be
discussed to provide the information
needed to make the right selection
for a specific application.

USB versions and their

capabilities

USB 2.0 offered 480 Mbps to its

users, a speed increase over 40
times the original USB offering in
the 1990s, which could only handle
12 Mbps. The newer version was allowed for greater flexibility in data to and from a hard drive or
designed with four connector wires multiple applications at the time controller. The additional wires
and could interconnect devices and are still relevant today. are used to provide two-way
with cable lengths up to 30 meters communications simultaneously.
Eight years after the introduction
(98 feet). Although they were Professional photographers are
of the USB 2.0, the USB 3.0
considered capable of high-speed keen on using USB 3.0 connectors
became available. The 3.0 version
data transfer, these cables could due to their need to transfer high-
provided users with even higher
not support video. The connectors resolution images between multiple
data speeds — 10 times higher,
and cables could support power devices as well as uploading to
to be exact — and are considered
with up to 500 mA of current, high-speed network computers.
SuperSpeed devices. These cables
whereas the older version could
and connectors can support video The 3.0 USB version was faster
not. The four-wire cable used white
data transfers. The USB 3.0 cables but could only be interconnected
and green wires for data transfer,
and connectors were designed to to devices within an 18-meter
while red and black wires were
transfer data at speeds of 4,800 (59-foot) cable length. The unit’s
used for power — red for 5 volts
Mbps (nearly 5 GB). This super- nine-wire connectors, instead of
and black for ground. USB 2.0 can
fast transfer speed rate came in the USB 2.0’s four-wire connectors,
easily be identified by the black
handy when used for backing up provided the right environment
interior of the connector port.
or transferring large amounts of for the increase in speed and
These updated USB capabilities

we get technical
81
Understanding USB specifications for selecting the correct cables, plugs, and jacks

bandwidth the devices were including nonstandard For cable and cord assemblies,
required to handle. The technology configurations based on a GlobTek, Inc. provides a wide
also allowed the cables and customer’s specific application variety of lengths from 100 mm and
connectors to be compatible with requirements. longer, as well as multiple colors
up to 900 mA of current, plus for use in sensitive equipment
Their entire line of USB cable
provided greater power efficiency where quick visual identification
assemblies meets USB 2.0, USB
for use with power-hungry devices. is a definite plus. Many off-the-
3.0, and/or USB 3.1 standards and
shelf products are available with
Note that the USB 2.0 standard comes in a wide variety of shielded
standard terminations, plugs, and
version connectors and USB 3.0 and unshielded lengths. Additional
receptacles already installed.
standard connectors provide cable connector options are
radically different specifications. also available, such as DC power USB Types have specific uses in
Be sure to match an application to plugs and blunt cut or stripped most commercial and industrial
the specific capabilities of the USB and tinned terminations. Cable settings. For example, USB
connectors and cables you plan to assemblies are sheathed in either Type-A are used with power
incorporate. USB 2.0 connectors PVC or a TPE, halogen-free jacket outlets and computers for
can be recognized because USB material. In addition, customized charging devices. Since these
2.0 ports are black, while USB 3.0 USB connector overmolds with connectors and cables, such as
ports are blue. USB 3.0 devices additional features are also the USBA2C1MOUSBCR shown in
are backward compatible and will available upon request. Figure 1, only go into the device
work with other USB versions, port one way, users cannot easily
such as USB 2.0. However, the connect them incorrectly. USB
connection will be limited to the Type-B ports are often used
maximum speed of the USB 2.0. to connect peripheral devices
By about 2012, USB 3.0 was used — such as printers, scanners,
on all new computers and became
a manufacturing standard. These
devices can be found in most
industries that use USB cables to
connect everything from sensors
and transducers to data hubs,
controllers, and computers.

USB cables and cord

assemblies

A full offering of USB cables and Figure 1: Shown is the USBA2C1MOUSBC(R), a USB 2.0 Type-A male plug to Type-C
cord assemblies is available male plug incorporating a 1.00 meter unshielded cable. USB Type-A connectors
in multiple configurations and can only go into the device port one way, so users cannot connect them incorrectly.
combinations from GlobTek,Inc., (Image source: GlobTek, Inc.)

82
and external hard drives — to a to a device. Similar to the Type-A
computer or controller. These connectors, these devices only
connectors are not as common go into a port one way and can be
as those used for general use. damaged if not done so.

Products such as the The newest connector device

USBCM302M0MICBMMBKR, is the USB Type-C. These
shown in Figure 2, are used for connectors and cables, such as
mobile devices, such as cell the USBCM311M0USBCMMMWHR
phones, tablets, MP3 players, and shown in Figure 3, are designed
cameras, as well as portable meters specifically for high-speed data
or control units used in industrial transfer and higher current flow,
settings. The USB Type-B micro allowing devices to charge more
Figure 3: The
allows data to be read without quickly. Unlike other USB Type USBCM311M0USBCMMMWHR is a
being connected to a computer in connectors, the USB Type-C can shielded, 1-meter-long, USB-C male
applications such as flash drives or be plugged into a device in either to USB-C male cable capable of
memory sticks connected directly direction. handling 10Gbps data rates. (Image
source: GlobTek, Inc.)

Conclusion

USB connectors and cable

assemblies are an integral part of
everyday life. These assemblies
have made it into almost every
home to interconnect laptop and
desktop computers to multiple
peripherals, as well as for
connecting mobile phones and
tablets to power sources. USB
components are also used in
automation, where high-speed data
transfer between computers and
remote sensors and transducers is
essential. GlobTek’s certifications
and commitment to quality
Figure 2: The USBCM302M0MICBMMBKR, USB Type-B micro male plug to Type-C position them as a dependable
male plug with 2.00 meter shielded cable shown, is often used to connect devices source capable of meeting the
directly to flash drives or memory sticks without needing to connect through a demands of consumers and
computer. (Image source: GlobTek, Inc.)
manufacturers alike.

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83
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