- For connecting a data cable to a device.
- For connecting two data cables with the same transmission medium (extension function).
- For connecting two data cables with different transmission media (media coupler function).
With a data connector, data cables can be connected quickly and easily to a device, as well as being detachable. LAPP provides you with RJ45 connectors and suitable solutions for connecting Ethernet cables, fieldbus cables and fiber optic cables. They are suitable for applications in structured building cabling, for use in data centers or in control cabinets.
- Data connectors
- Fiber optic connector
- Panel-mount base
- Fiber optic coupling
- Circular connector
- Cable connector
- Cable coupler hood
- Terminating resistor
- Cable tie round
- Control cabinet bushing
- T splitter
- Assembly Machines
- Lifts & Elevators
- Packaging
- Construction Machinery
- Machine Tools
- Automotive
- Food & Beverage
- Healthcare & Pharma
- Intralogistics & Material handling
- Process Industry
- Robotics
- Solar
- Agricultural & Farm Machinery
- Vibration protection
- Impact proof
- corrosion resistant
- Strain relief
- Fast Connect (FC) cable
- UV-resistant
- CE marking
- UL listed
- cUL listed
- cUR recognized
- UL recognized
What is a data connector?
A data cable WITHOUT a connector is only half the truth.
It is only with a data connector that a data cable can be quickly, conveniently and safely connected to a device. You know this from home: a network cable with an RJ45 connector can be connected to the LAN interface of your laptop in no time at all.
In industry too, the connectors should be fixed but still be detachable at any time. Quick and convenient separation of the connection plays a central role, as this is the only way to guarantee flexible installation of machines and systems directly at their place of use, easy repair and maintenance and generally better handling of all system components.
The data connector electrically connects the conductors of a copper-based data cable or the fibers in a fiber optic cable to the device. This is done via the poles/contacts/fiber ends of the data connector with the poles/contacts/fiber connections of the device. Depending on the design, the connector housing protects the contact point against the ingress of dust or liquids, e.g. while also providing protection against mechanical impact and protecting users against electric shock.
Two data cables can also be connected to one another using a data connector.
The most common data connectors are called M8, M12, Sub-D, RJ45, ST(BFOC), FSMA, LC, FC, SC, ST-SC and SC-RJ.
Copper data connectors
Fiber optic cables, data connectors
In the LAPP product segment "Data Connectors" you will find connectors for independent on-site assembly of
- sensor/actuator cables/fieldbus cables,
- industrial Ethernet cables,
- fiber optic cables.
Assembly
The connection of cables to connectors is referred to as an assembly. If the assembly is manufactured by LAPP, a decision must be made in advance on how the cable is to be connected to the connectors.
The connection technology to be used for the respective application depends on the location of the connector or cable, the processing location or application in the field, the design of the conductors to be connected, the availability of the tool and the costs for creating the connection. The most important connection types include screw connection, the penetration technique (IPC), insulation displacement technology (IDC), snap-in clip and crimping.
During assembly, attention must also be paid to the color coding inside the connector, which ensures that the conductors of the cable are correctly connected to the connector.
What advantages does the use of self-configurable data connectors offer?
- The cable length can be determined very flexibly. This is advantageous if you do not know which cable length is required on site in advance.
- This saves space as you do not have to store any excess cables in the system. Your cable length always fits perfectly for your application.
- Choose the connector type and its properties based on your specific application.
- If you have enough data connectors and cables on site by the foot, you will remain independent of any delivery times and you're able to act immediately.
Would you rather save time or do you prefer to completely eliminate any potential errors when assembling a data connection on site?
Then rely on pre-assembled data cables from LAPP – convenient plug & play for seamless data transmission in industry.
Did you know?
What actually is a data connector?
When used correctly, the term data connector, which is commonly used only describes the male version of a data connector, but not the whole unit. A plug connector consists of a male part, known as the plug, and a female part, known as the socket.
The LAPP range of data connectors has both plugs and sockets ready for you.
What does field-configurable mean?
Field-configurable data connectors are suitable for assembly, even under difficult conditions, thanks to their special design. This means that the installer can still reliably attach a connector to the cable without a workbench, even though there is less lighting and no access to special tools or standing on a ladder.
Which data connector should it be?
There are countless data connectors at LAPP (at least almost)!
To make choosing the right connector for your data cable a little easier, first consider the answers to the following two basic questions:
1- Transmission medium, 2- Data connector, 3- Device
- For copper cables.
- For fiber optic cables.
At LAPP, we divide the "data connectors" product segment into the following product groups:
Cable couplers
Here you will find cable connectors for connecting, extending, repairing or routing Ethernet cables.
Sensor/actuator connectors and fieldbus connectors for copper-based data transmission
Data connectors from this product group are used for sensor/actuator wiring and support the PROFIBUS, CC-Link, CAN/DeviceNet, AS-Interface and other fieldbus systems.
Ethernet connectors for copper-based data transmission
Discover our data connectors for data transmission via Ethernet technology in shielded/unshielded versions, with Industrial Ethernet or Profinet color coding.
Fiber optic connectors for optical data transmission via fiber optic cables
LAPP offers fiber optic connectors for the fiber types of glass fiber (GOF), plastic fiber (POF) and plastic jacketed glass fiber (PCF).
Media converter for connecting different transmission media
This type of data connector acts as a converter between two different transmission media. This means that media converters transfer data from one medium to another. Examples include: copper to fiber optic cable, fiber optic cable to copper, fieldbus type A to fieldbus type B, or similar.
How is a data connector constructed?
The most important tasks of the housing are to ensure the mechanical stability of the connector, protect the electrical connection, ensure electrical shielding and ensure processability and environmental compatibility. Both plastics and metal alloys are used for the housing.
The most important requirements for the detachable contact area are high electrical conductivity, high corrosion resistance and high mechanical wear resistance.
Due to their good electrical conductivity, copper or copper alloys are predominantly used for contact elements. Silver or gold surface coatings are often used to guarantee good corrosion protection.
The shape of the surfaces to be combined in a connector housing is referred to as the connector face. For example, there are connectors with a round or rectangular connector face. If incorrect connectors are to be excluded, connector housings with different coding can be used. The coding is achieved using molded elements on the housings, such as nose or snap-in hooks.
The arrangement and nature of the contacts in the connector are referred to as a pole configuration. Defined pole configurations ensure that only connectors of the same system can be plugged in. This prevents connectors for the power supply from being confused with data connectors, for example.
Where are data connectors required?
Do you use an industrial data cable? You need a data connector!
Regardless of whether your cable is fixed, flexible or exposed to dynamic movements, we at LAPP have the right data connector for you. For almost every conceivable application and industry.
As communication takes place at all levels, your data needs to master the path from the lowest sensor/actuator field level to the control level, right up to the company control level (MES/ERP), where a wired internet connection is made. And vice versa!
Only a data connector can complete a data transmission system.
Which properties must a data connector fulfill?
It is not possible to say which properties the right data connector needs to have for you. Pay attention to these parameters:
- Role
- Transfer medium
- Connector face
- Pole configuration
- Outer diameter of the cable to be connected
- Conductor cross-section of solid or braided conductor
- Shielding for stable data transmission in EMC-critical environments
- Cable outlet angle (35°, 90° and 180°)
- Resistances and IP protection class (UV, oil, water or similar)
- Vibration protection