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October 23, 2026 -
The compact, rugged interface reduces device connector footprint by 75% for space-constrained industrial network applications…
The ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association) has officially specified the compact, industrial-grade ix Industrial® mating interface for Ethernet/IP network applications. This completes the standardization and referencing process for the smaller, more rugged alternative to the classic RJ45 connector. In addition to Ethernet/IP, the ix Industrial is already integrated into leading industry standards including PROFINET, CC-Link IE TSN, FL-net, and GigE Vision.
As an official IEC standard (IEC 61076-3-124), the ix Industrial connector is offered by three independent manufacturers – Hirose, HARTING and Amphenol. This guarantees users free market access, price diversity and long-term supply security without manufacturer dependency.
Component miniaturization combined with increased robustness and performance addresses the evolving demands of industrial data transmission. RJ45, the previous standard in the industrial Ethernet market, is large, mechanically vulnerable and reaches its limits in modern compact devices. The ix Industrial® connector meets these design demands, and as a result is now the standardized miniature Ethernet connector of the next generation.
With an assembly pitch of only 10 mm and a volume reduced by around 75% compared to RJ45, the connector enables a significantly higher port density in a confined space – a decisive advantage for manufacturers of industrial PCs, robot controllers, servo drives and FA cameras.
Mechanically, ix Industrial sets new standards: a robust double-row contact system, two metal locks and a high-strength PCB connection through THR shield pins ensure reliable operation even under harsh industrial conditions. Offering superior durability, the connector is tested to 5,000 mating/disconnection cycles at operating temperatures from −40 °C to +85 °C.
Electrically, the ix Industrial connector supports Cat. 6A performance with 360° full shielding and is designed for data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s (10GBASE-T). In addition, it supports IEEE802.3bt PoE++ with 1.5 A current carrying capacity per pair – ideal for directly powering field devices via the Ethernet cable.
The product range is broad to meet application demands. In addition to standard sockets and angle variants, the ix Industrial is available with IDC or solder connection and in rugged IP65/67 versions. Field-assembly designs also allow on-site assembly without the need for special tools.
Development teams that are now entering their next product developments should integrate ix Industrial® into upcoming devices as a robust, industrial-grade and significantly smaller alternative to the RJ45. The significantly smaller, internationally standardized interface offers the opportunity to make devices more compact, robust and future-proof.
ABOUT HIROSE ELECTRIC
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading global supplier of innovative interconnects, with sales of over $1.5 billion to customers worldwide. Hirose employs advanced engineering services, superior customer support and worldwide manufacturing capabilities to provide value-based connector solutions for various industries including industrial, telecommunication, consumer electronics, computer and automotive.