As a response to the challenging and increasing demand for global digitalisation, HIROSE and HARTING recently agreed to combine their strengths. The result of this joint effort is the ix Industrial – a new miniaturised Ethernet interface for high-speed data rates.

The two partners have jointly standardised the ix Industrial mating face in compliance with IEC/PAS 61076-3-124. Meeting this standard provides for future technologies and applications in IoT (Internet of Things) and others. The mass production is planned to start in April 2017.

The mission of the ix Industrial is for a better high-speed performance in industrial data traffic. It is smaller, more robust and powerful in comparison with the RJ45. Due to this small robust design, it makes fast Ethernet available in a number of different industrial applications.

With a 70% size reduction compared to a conventional RJ45, the ix Industrial connector provides more connections using less space on the PCB, space that can be utilized more efficiently. The ix Industrial is ideal for the continuous miniaturisation of applications especially in the Industrial communication network (PLC’s / Controllers / Motion and Drives / Robotics / FA cameras, etc.).

The socket has 5 THR (Through-hole reflow) shielding contacts for maximum retention on the PCB. The robust structure of the ix Industrial™ ensures stability in harsh environments.

With performance to Cat. 6A, the ix Industrial interface is configured for 1 / 10 Gbit/s Ethernet and is therefore future-proof. High current load capacity accommodates the PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) applications of today and tomorrow. The combination of high-speed data transmission and power in one interface, provides ideal solutions for space saving requirements.

"Together, HIROSE and HARTING will now be able to offer our customers the combined expertise of two leading interconnect technologies, with their global presence and proximity to customer design and manufacturing locations," said HIROSE President Kazunori Ishii at the press conference held at electronica.

Speaking at the same event, Philip Harting, Chairman of the Board of the HARTING Technology Group, added: "Successful collaboration in developing, standardising and marketing the miniaturised connection technology for 10Gbit Ethernet is a genuine win-win situation for both companies. We want to extend this partnership further."