There are various types of connectors that will transmit ethernet signals from commercial options to more sophisticated optical fiber transmission. Fortunately, hermetic epoxy creates the design flexibility to choose from various ethernet connector types without degrading the signal quality through the feedthrough. Let’s review some design options.
RJ45 Hermetic Connectors
hermetic RJ45 feedthrough
The RJ45 is the most universally adopted connector for transmitting ethernet signals. It’s an 8-pin rectangular connector that features a plug and jack connection for cables using a twisted pair cabling. This Ethernet connector type is common for various test and measurement applications in vacuum chambers and gloveboxes, where equipment inside the chamber of glovebox requires an ethernet signal or data transmission. Douglas offers both standard and custom designs, featuring an integral RJ45 hermetic ethernet feedthrough or a connectorized cable assembly.
USB-C connectors are traditionally not used in ethernet transmission, although it is possible to transmit ethernet signal over USB-C. Douglas’ hermetic USB connectors offer low signal loss compared to other technologies hermetically sealing connectors.
Metric Connectors
In industrial applications, metric connectors have become extremely popular. This includes connectors such as M8, M12/M23 connectors that feature a threaded connection, IP-rated seal, and a keyed connection to ensure proper pin alignment. In certain panel and box build applications, Customers will choose an RJ45 connection within the panel to then transmit the signal to a metric connector outside the panel and bulkhead assembly. This creates increased design flexibility to transmit the ethernet signal while increasing its robustness for industrial applications and harsh environments. Douglas can also incorporate a conduit thread to further protect the cable connection.
Coaxial & Optical Fibers
Optical and coaxial connectors are used for data transmission of ethernet cables. Various options exist in the marketplace including SC, LC, MPO, and coaxial F type connectors. Douglas has experience hermetically sealing all types of fibers and coaxial connections in both a connectorized form or with an inline fiber or cable with integral connectors. Epoxy also creates the ability to feed multiple connections through a single feedthrough, increasing density while decreasing the number of bulkhead connections and feedthroughs.
Douglas is here to support all your sealed ethernet connector needs. Contact us today to discuss your application and our technical sales engineers will partner with you to design a made-to-order sealed ethernet assembly delivered in a competitive lead time.
