As the world shifts into high gear with Industry 4.0, the demand for faster, smarter, and more compact industrial connectivity is reshaping how machines communicate. At the heart of this transformation is Amphenol Communications Solutions’ ix Industrial
IP20 connector—a next-generation solution that’s enabling manufacturers, electronics OEMs, and automation leaders to build smaller, more robust, and more connected systems.
From robotics and medical devices to in-flight entertainment systems and industrial power racks, the ix Industrial series is redefining what’s possible in high-speed industrial Ethernet.
Industry Challenges: Expanding Beyond RJ45 & Meeting Tomorrow’s Connectivity Needs
Traditional RJ45 connectors have served the industry well, but modern demands expose their limitations:
- Too large for today’s compact devices
- Susceptible to vibration-induced disconnects
- Limited shielding in high-EMI environments
- Inadequate for combined data + power over a single link
Industrial designers sought a smaller, more ruggedized, and PoE-capable alternative—without compromising performance or interoperability.
The Solution: ix Industrial IP20
Amphenol stepped in with the ix Industrial IP20 series, purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of Industrial IoT, automation, robotics, medical, and avionics applications.
Why It Stands Out:
- 75% smaller than RJ45 – enables higher port density
- Supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet (Cat6A) – reliable high-speed data
- 360° shielding – exceptional EMI protection
- 2-point metal latch – vibration-resistant secure mating
- Up to 5,000 mating cycles – long-term durability
- PoE, PoE+, PoE++ capable – up to 100W over data lines
These features allow OEMs to build compact yet powerful network interfaces that thrive in harsh environments.
Technical Specs That Matter:
|
Parameter |
Value |
|
Voltage Rating |
50VAC / 60VDC |
|
Current Rating |
1.5A @ 40°C |
|
Data Transmission |
10GBASE-T (Cat6A) |
|
EMI Shielding |
360°, fully shielded pair |
|
Mating Cycles |
5,000 |
|
Latch Retention Force |
≥80N |
|
Operating Temp Range |
-55°C to +85°C |
|
Cable Options |
PVC, LSZH, straight/right-angle |
|
Certification |
IEC 61076-3-124, RoHS, UL |
With both plug-and-play assemblies and field-terminable options, Amphenol’s solution adapts seamlessly into existing and emerging designs.
How It Outperforms Competitors:
|
Feature |
Amphenol ix IP20 |
Competitor ix-style Connectors |
|
Mating Cycles |
5,000 |
Typically <1,000 |
|
Shielding |
360°, full pair |
Partial/shell-only |
|
Intermateability |
Global IEC-compliant |
Often proprietary |
|
Cable Assembly Options |
Extensive (IDC, angled) |
Limited |
|
PoE Capabilities |
Up to 100W (PoE++) |
Up to 30W (PoE+) |
Amphenol delivers interoperable, high-performance, and high-density connectivity that elevates its function entirely.
Customer Success Stories
In-Flight Entertainment Systems
- Amphenol’s ix plug kits helped a global electronics OEM enhance 4K display systems in aircraft cabins. The compact form factor and rugged latching system ensured stable performance in vibration-prone environments—leading to the first ix integration in the OEM's design library.
Robotic Platforms & Automation
- For a robotics company combining CPU, GPU, and camera subsystems, Amphenol delivered a hybrid ix-to-RJ45 cable solution. The result? Compact, rugged, and high-speed Ethernet connectivity for advanced AI-enabled robotic arms.
Medical Devices
- In portable nitrous oxide sedation and flowmeter systems, Amphenol provided customized 10-wire ix assemblies (8x26AWG + 2x22AWG), enabling more power over smaller cable runs. LSZH jacketing also ensured safer operation in clinical environments.
Industrial Power Distribution
- For rack-mounted power distribution units, Amphenol’s ix connectors offered low-profile, high-speed Ethernet ports that replaced RJ45s while meeting cost and space targets. Their plug-and-play reliability was critical in embedded power monitoring systems.
HMI for Robotics Control
- Integrated into robotic teaching pendants and control PCs, the ix Industrial IP20 connector helped leading automation OEMs meet demanding space and EMI constraints—while enabling field upgrades and longer lifespans.
The Bottom Line
Amphenol’s ix Industrial IP20 connectors aren’t just successors to RJ45—they’re enablers of modern industrial innovation. Offering compact ruggedness, high-speed data, PoE versatility, and global interoperability, they empower designers to unlock the full potential of IIoT, robotics, medical tech, and aerospace systems.
Explore the full ix Industrial IP20 product line here.