Technical Paper Abstract
This article introduces a compact, robust connector generically referred to as the ix, a next-generation miniaturized Ethernet connector system standardized under IEC 61076-3-124, engineered to replace RJ45 in industrial automation environments. At roughly one-quarter the volume of RJ45, the ix gives design engineers the dimensional headroom to integrate Ethernet connectivity into space-constrained assemblies unsuitable for standard RJ45 jacks. Despite its compact form factor, the interface delivers superior mechanical robustness through dual metal locking latches and through-hole reflow shield pins, yielding PCB retention forces that exceed RJ45. Electrically, the 360-degree shielded, symmetric-pair contact architecture attains inductance values of 0.14 – 0.45 nH – an order of magnitude below RJ45 – enabling Cat.6A-certified for 10GBASE-T transmission with enhanced EMI/ESD immunity. The connector supports PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) and offers IP20 and IP65/67 variants, including an IP20 variant with integrated magnetics. Adopted across PROFINET, EtherCAT, GigE Vision, and CC-Link IE TSN protocols, the ix is manufactured by multiple independent vendors including Hirose, HARTING, and Amphenol, ensuring open-market pricing and broad supply chain availability for factory automation, robotics, machine vision, and servo drive applications.
Keywords
Ethernet interface, ix, IEC 61076-3-124, miniaturized Ethernet connector, RJ45 replacement, EtherNet/IP, Cat. 6A performance, Industrial Ethernet, 10GBASE-T, PoE, IP67, industrial automation, machine vision, servo drives
Paper and presentation from the 2026 ODVA Industry Conference & 24th Annual Meeting: to be published November 2
Ross D’Amico, Engineering Supervisor, Industrial Ethernet, Amphenol
Matthias Fritsche, Senior Expert Ethernet, HARTING Technology Group
William MacKillop, Director Interconnect Technology, HIROSE Electric Americas