ODVA Embraces ix Industrial

With its small footprint and robust construction, ix Industrial has given Industrial applications a rugged alternative to RJ45. Now ODVA is taking a closer look.

ix Industrial is the next-generation connector for Ethernet and other industrial equipment transmission. Initially developed by two major companies — Hirose and HARTING, in partnership — ix Industrial gained acceptance in factory automation, product automation, cameras, PLCs, as well in a variety of other markets.

“In factory automation, what typically happens is Ethernet travels from the telecommunications closet to the engineer’s desk. From there, it may be able to reach the factory floor, but it can’t control the PLCs, the conveyors, or other equipment on the floor because those have different protocols,” said Bill MacKillop, Hirose. “EtherNet/IP is trying to push Ethernet all the way out to the edge so that in the future, an engineer can use a phone to see what’s happening on the factory floor, without having to log into a desktop, or get a translator to change the protocol, or ask somebody to go look and tell them what’s going on. Integrating Ethernet into more places on the factory floor provides a way to connect all these devices that previously could not be connected.”

ix Industrial from Hirose

MacKillop explained that in addition to not having any Ingress Protection (IP20) capability, the plastic locking tab on the RJ45 is susceptible to breaking, particularly in the harsh environment that exists, for example, in a factory. Hirose had a goal to make a connector like the RJ45, but smaller, faster, shielded, and more robust, so it could be used with confidence in the industrial space. The ix Industrial was developed to withstand those conditions. “Whenever an Ethernet port is required on a device, it takes up approximately 15 mm x 14 mm (WxH) of front panel space, whereas the ix Industrial is roughly 7 mm by 10 mm. We made it smaller, we made it more robust, and we made it faster. We accomplished all the design goals, and we then started showing it to people in the industry,” he said.

ODVA puts ix Industrial in front of industrial heavy hitters

The ix Industrial is an official IEC standard (IEC 61076-3-124) and it is becoming an integral part of EtherNet/IP and leading industry standards, including PROFINET, CC-Link IE TSN, FL-net, and GigE Vision. “The overall adoption of ix Industrial by standards groups across the globe has been slow but steady. GIA and EMEA A3 adopted it for GigE Vision cameras,” said MacKillop. “All these different standards groups develop connectors for members to use. As a result of this process, the volume goes up, the price goes down, and the market gets a good product at a better price. Now we’ve gotten ODVA to look at adding ix Industrial to that space because of its size and robust features.” ODVA is a standards development organization that works to advance open, interoperable information and communication technologies in industrial automation.

“ODVA’s specification of ix Industrial can help drive broader adoption by providing suppliers and OEMs with a common interface for EtherNet/IP devices, supporting interoperability and giving end users access to a broader ecosystem of compatible connectivity solutions,” said Scott Kleinle, General Manager ACPA, Amphenol Communications Solutions.

Amphenol Communications Solution ix Industrial

ix Industrial was first shown at ODVA in 2019 and now its gaining traction. Following another recent presentation, a large majority of ODVA members voted in favor of including it in the next revision publication cycle of the specification. “ODVA taking the next step of recommending ix Industrial for automation on the factory floor, combined with the IEC specification, gives the connector  ‘street cred,’” MacKillop added.

To learn more about the Preferred Suppliers mentioned in this article, visit the Preferred Supplier pages for Hirose and Amphenol Communications Solutions.

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