Circular connectors, as a common and versatile type of electronic connector, play an indispensable role across numerous fields due to their distinctive circular design and outstanding performance. Today, SIGNAL editorial team invites you to explore the application domains of circular connectors in depth, examining their specific uses across different industries.
What are the application areas for circular connectors?
1. Industrial Automation
Within industrial automation, circular connectors are extensively employed for linking sensors, actuators, controllers, and other devices. They not only undertake critical tasks such as data acquisition, control, and communication but also withstand harsh industrial environments, ensuring the stable operation of automated systems.
SIGNAL connectors suitable for automation include: M12 series (Coding: A, B, D, X, S, K, T, L); 7/8’’ DeviceNet connectors. These products offer high flexibility and spark resistance, achieving IP68/IP69K protection ratings. SIGNAL also provides complete connection solutions from rack wiring to panel mounting connectors.
2. New Energy
In the new energy sector, circular connectors play a vital role in the connection and data transmission of equipment such as solar and wind power generation systems. They withstand harsh natural environments, ensuring stable connections between energy devices and providing robust support for sustainable energy utilisation.
SIGNAL products suitable for the new energy sector include traditional sensor and actuator connectors such as the SIGNAL M5, M8, M12, or M23, alongside power connectors like the snap-in HEC or RD24. In hybrid connection solutions, SIGNAL connectors can simultaneously transmit both current and signals, with a maximum rated voltage of 800V and a rated current of 30A. Product configurations range from 2 to 24 pins, with multiple locking mechanisms including snap-in, push-pull, threaded, and push-pull self-locking types. Stäubli offers customised products and flexible solutions, encompassing: harness assembly, straight and angled versions, varied pin counts, and diverse wiring configurations.
3. Medical Equipment
In the medical equipment sector, circular connectors play a similarly vital role. They connect diverse medical instruments, monitoring devices, imaging equipment, and more, ensuring precise data transmission and reliable interconnections.
SIGNAL connectors are suitable for healthcare applications such as patient monitoring, Doppler probes, and cosmetic and dental instruments. Designs including plastic push-pull, push-pull locking, and snap-lock mechanisms make Schneider connectors an ideal solution for this industry. Schneider offers customised products and flexible solutions, including: wire harness processing, rectangular connectors, varying pin counts, and diverse wiring configurations.
4. Food and Beverage
To ensure product freshness and safety, food applications impose exceptionally stringent requirements on connectors.
SIGNAL offers numerous connectors suitable for the food and beverage sector, including: 7/8" connectors and M8, M12 stainless steel connectors. Stainless steel connectors feature IP68/IP69K protection ratings, with PVC-moulded cables capable of withstanding exposure to water and corrosive chemicals. SIGNAL provides customised products and flexible solutions, including: harness assembly, straight and angled versions, varying core counts, and diverse wiring configurations.
5. Transportation
Within the transport sector, circular connectors are extensively employed for connecting electronic equipment in high-speed rail, trains, vehicles, vessels, and other modes of transport. Examples include in-vehicle entertainment systems and navigation systems, ensuring stable connections between devices during movement and enhancing passenger experience.
SIGNAL M12 series connectors feature stable transmission, convenient installation, and secure vibration resistance, playing a vital role on numerous major domestic and international trunk lines.
6. Warehousing and Logistics
Driven by the economies of scale in express delivery, logistics, and e-commerce, the warehousing sector is undergoing comprehensive transformation and upgrading towards intelligent, automated, and informatised operations. Consequently, the warehouse handling robotics industry is anticipated to possess exceptionally broad development prospects. As a manufacturer of industrial waterproof connectors, SIGNAL possesses core strengths in specialised connection technology and products, positioning it as a trusted partner for manufacturers of intelligent warehousing equipment such as warehouse handling robots.
Moving forward, SIGNAL will continue to deliver quality products and efficient services, providing specialised connection technology solutions to build information-driven, data-centric express logistics and warehousing infrastructure, thereby supporting the digital infrastructure development of these sectors.
7. Communications
Connector applications within the communications sector primarily span three segments: broadband communications, data communications, and mobile communications.
Numerous SIGNAL product series are suitable for communications applications. Our connectors are ideally suited for mobile deployments, such as RET antenna installations, mobile base stations for tracking and monitoring systems, and lift controllers. Standard SIGNAL connectors for the communications industry include the M9, M12 pluggable, and AISG-compatible M16 series. These products utilise soldered or crimped wiring, feature an IP67 protection rating, and incorporate 360° shielding. SIGNAL also offers customised solutions for customers, encompassing wire harness processing, pre-wired products, varying core counts, and diverse wiring configurations.
