Among many connectors, M8 Connector has gradually become an ideal choice for various industrial applications due to its compact size, efficient connection performance and durability. Common configurations of M8 Connector include 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin and 8-pin, among which M8 5 pin connector and M8 6 pin connector are particularly important.
Starting from the definition of M8 Connector, this article will introduce its construction, working principle, application field and specific advantages of M8 5 pin connector and M8 6 pin connector in detail.
What is M8 Connector?
M8 Connector is a circular electrical connector with a small size, which is usually used in equipment that requires miniaturization and high reliability connection. The "8" of M8 Connector means that its outer diameter is 8 mm. Compared with the traditional M12 connector (outer diameter is 12 mm), M8 Connector has a smaller volume and is suitable for space-constrained applications. M8 Connector is widely used in sensor networks, industrial automation, control systems, transmission systems and communication equipment, especially in industrial environments, and can withstand harsh conditions such as high pressure, high temperature and vibration.
What are the structures of M8 Connector?
M8 Connector is designed for fast and reliable electrical and signal transmission. While ensuring efficient operation of the system, it reduces space occupation and facilitates high-density wiring. The structure of M8 Connector usually includes shell, pins, sealing rings, contact points and cables. M8 Connector has a variety of configurations according to the number of pins of its connector. Common pin configurations include 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin and 8-pin. These M8 Connectors with different pin configurations can meet the needs of electrical signal and power transmission in different application fields.
The following are the main parts of M8 Connector structure:
● Shell: The shell of M8 Connector is usually made of corrosion-resistant metal or engineering plastic material, which has the characteristics of waterproof, dustproof and vibration-resistant, which can effectively prevent the external environment from affecting the inside of the connector.
● Pins: The pins of M8 Connector realize the transmission of electrical signals through insertion and contact. The number and arrangement of pins are customized according to different connection requirements. Common configurations include 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin and 8-pin, among which M8 5 pin connector and M8 6 pin connector configurations are particularly common in the field of industrial control.
● Sealing ring: There is usually a sealing ring inside the M8 Connector to prevent external factors such as dust and moisture from entering the connector and ensure its long-term stable operation.
● Contact point: The contact point of the M8 Connector is made of metal material, usually plated with gold or silver to improve its conductivity and corrosion resistance. The design of the contact point is very fine to ensure that the signal transmission will not be interfered with in any way.
Pin number configuration of M8 Connector
1. M8 3 pin connector
The M8 3 pin connector is the most basic configuration and is usually used for power connection and single signal transmission. It is suitable for equipment that requires fewer electrical contacts, such as simple sensors and control devices. Due to its simple design and low cost, the M8 3 pin connector is widely used in industrial automation equipment. Its pin number configuration usually includes a ground pin, a power pin and a signal pin. Its application range usually includes sensors, low-power devices, etc.
2. M8 4 pin connector
The M8 4 pin connector configuration is more common and is suitable for devices that need to transmit power and signals. In the M8 4 pin connector, there are usually two pins for power connection and the other two pins for signal transmission. This connector is suitable for sensors or devices that require higher power requirements, such as proximity switches, temperature sensors, etc. M8 4 pin connectors are usually used in control systems, where power and signals need to be transmitted simultaneously, and can meet the equipment's requirements for power and signal stability.
3. M8 5 pin connector
The M8 5 pin connector is widely used in industrial automation, sensor networks, and communication equipment, and is particularly suitable for applications that require more signal channels. The configuration of the M8 5 pin connector usually includes two power pins and three signal pins, which can support complex signal transmission and power transmission. For example, the M8 5 pin connector is often used to connect sensor devices, which can provide power and multiple signal channels to meet the needs of multi-signal transmission in modern automation systems.
The pin definitions of the m8 5 pin connector are usually as follows:
● Power (+Vcc)
● Ground (GND)
● Signal 1 (Data 1 / CAN_H / IO-Link)
● Signal 2 (Data 2 / CAN_L)
● Shield (Shield / PE)
4. M8 6 pin connector
The m8 6 pin connector is similar to the m8 5 pin connector, but provides more signal channels and power transmission capabilities. In many sensor networks, especially in systems that require multi-channel signal processing, the application of the m8 6 pin connector is very important. The m8 6 pin connector usually includes two power pins and four signal pins, which can support the transmission of multiple sensor signals at the same time and is widely used in complex sensor networks and multi-channel signal processing equipment.
The pin definitions of the m8 6 pin connector are as follows:
● Power (+Vcc)
● Ground (GND)
● Signal 1 (Data 1 / CAN_H / IO-Link)
● Signal 2 (Data 2 / CAN_L)
● Signal 3 (Data 3 / Additional IO)
● Shield (Shield / PE)
5. M8 8 pin connector
The M8 8 pin connector is the most complex one in the M8 series and can support more power and signal transmission. It is suitable for occasions where multiple signals and power transmission are required, especially in advanced control systems and complex sensor networks, and can provide efficient data transmission capabilities. The M8 8-pin connector is usually used in devices that require high-density signal transmission, data acquisition, and complex system control.
Comparison between m8 5 pin connector and m8 6 pin connector
| Features | m8 5 pin connector | m8 6 pin connector |
| Main applications | Sensors, industrial buses, PLCs | Complex sensors, automated control |
| Data channel | 2 channels | 3 channels |
| Power supply capacity | Standard | Standard |
| Shielding capability | Support | Support |
| Applicable industries | Automation, sensor network, robotics | Automation, PLC, data acquisition |
The m8 5 pin connector is suitable for most industrial applications, while the m8 6 pin connector provides additional data channels for more complex industrial communication needs.
Which industries need M8 Connector?
Due to its compact design and high reliability, M8 Connectors are widely used in industrial automation, sensor networks, communication equipment, and medical equipment.
1. Industrial Automation: In the field of industrial automation, M8 Connectors are used to connect various sensors, actuators, and control systems. Since industrial environments are usually harsh, the protective design of M8 Connectors (such as waterproof, dustproof, and vibration-proof) makes them an ideal choice. In particular, the m8 5 pin connector and m8 6 pin connector can meet more complex signal transmission requirements and ensure the smooth operation of automation equipment.
2. Sensor Networks: In sensor networks, M8 Connectors can achieve stable transmission of multiple signals to ensure smooth and error-free data exchange between sensors. M8 5-pin connector and m8 6 pin connector provide reliable electrical connections for such networks, ensuring data accuracy and stability.
3. Communication Equipment: With the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the demand for connections between various smart devices and communication systems has increased. M8 Connectors have become an indispensable part of communication equipment due to their compactness and efficient performance. M8 5 pin connector and m8 6 pin connector are particularly suitable for high-density signal transmission requirements.
4. Medical equipment: M8 connectors are also widely used in medical equipment. They are used to connect sensors, monitoring equipment and data acquisition equipment. The miniaturization and high stability of M8 connectors make them perform well in medical environments, especially for equipment that needs to transmit multiple signals simultaneously.
M8 Connectors from a Trusted Chinese Manufacturer
As a leading China-based connector manufacturer, LINKHIVE offers precision-engineered connectors for various industries. With 3,000 square meters of production space, 100+ employees, and a dedicated R&D team, we provide customized connectors and cable assemblies to meet unique design requirements. Our wide product range includes m8 5 pin connector, m8 6 pin connector, molded cable assemblies, and waterproof connectors. We offer bulk supply, competitive prices, and promotional discounts to ensure affordability!
