M12 Cordsets: Types of Coding and Their Applications

3 min read

M12 connectors are widely used in industrial applications because of their versatility and standardized design. The “M” in M12 stands for “metric,” while the “12” refers to the 12 mm threading diameter.

These connectors work by joining a male and female connector with the corresponding coding configuration, making them easy to install and replace.

Let’s go over some common types of coding and their common applications.

A-Coding

A-Coding is used for signal transfer and low-power AC/DC applications. A-coded connectors can have from 3 to 17 contacts, as seen below.

Source

Murrelektronik’s 7000-12041-0150300 cable — *Murrelektronik’s 7000-12041-0150300 is an A-coded circular connector cordset with 5 pins and a free end.*

B-Coding

B-coding uses 3-5 pins to link to network cables. It is used for PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) communication systems. The B-code connector is designed to prevent getting connections wrong.

Source

Murrelektronik’s 7000-44001-8410050 cable — *Murrelektronik’s* 7000-44001-8410050 is a PROFIBUS cable with a male end with 4 pins, *as well as a female end with 2 pins.*

D-Coding

D-coded connectors consist of 4 pins and are used in industrial Ethernet applications.

Source

Murrelektronik’s 7700-44711-S7V0900 cable — *Murrelektronik’s* 7700-44711-S7V0900 is an Ethernet CAT5 cable with both a male D-coded M12 end and a male RJ45 end.

S, T, K and L-Coding

S, T, K and L-Coding are used for high-power AC/DC applications. They have 4 pins and are used with motor drives, motor switches, and frequency inverters.