CAZN M8 D-Code 4-Pin Shielded Connector for EtherCAT Industrial Communication

The CAZN M8 D-Code 4-pin shielded circular connector is specifically designed for 100 Mbps Industrial Ethernet applications and supports EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP. Compared with M12 D-Code connectors, its more compact size makes it ideal for space-constrained equipment, including compact EtherCAT slave devices, miniature I/O modules, robot joints, and small industrial cameras.

Pin Assignment for Industrial Ethernet Differential Signals

Technical Specifications

Thread: M8 × 1, recommended locking torque 0.4 Nm

Protection Rating: IP67, providing protection against dust and temporary water immersion. Suitable for machine tools and production-line environments exposed to moisture and oil contamination.

Transmission: Cat5e, 100 Mbps, supporting the standard EtherCAT transmission rate, with 100 Ω differential impedance.

Electrical: Rated voltage 60 V DC, 4 A per contact. Gold-plated contacts provide stable electrical contact performance for high-frequency signal transmission.

Shielding: 360° full-metal shielding. The metal housing provides complete termination to the cable braided shield, helping reduce EMC interference and communication instability in high-interference EtherCAT environments.

Operating Temperature: -40°C to +80°C

Mating Cycles: ≥500 cycles

Product Configurations

The CAZN M8 D-Code connector is available in multiple configurations to accommodate different industrial Ethernet installation requirements.

Pre-assembled molded cable: M8 D-Code straight and right-angle versions, M8 D-Code to M8 D-Code, and M8 D-Code to RJ45 configurations. PUR high-flex cable versions are available for drag-chain applications, while PVC cable versions are suitable for fixed wiring.

Field-assembly connector: Screw-clamp termination enables on-site wiring, making the connector suitable for equipment commissioning, maintenance, and modification projects.

Panel-mount socket: Available in solder-wire and PCB solder-mount versions for installation on EtherCAT modules, industrial camera housings, and other compact devices.

Typical Applications

The M8 D-Code 4-pin shielded connector is suitable for compact industrial communication equipment where both reliable Ethernet transmission and installation space are critical.

Typical applications include:

• Compact EtherCAT distributed I/O modules
• Collaborative robot joints and miniature servo drives
• Compact industrial cameras and vision sensors
• Space-constrained automation equipment

• Small industrial Ethernet devices requiring M8 connectivity

Compared with M12 connectors, the smaller M8 form factor can help reduce connector footprint and simplify installation in compact equipment layouts.

Key Engineering Considerations

For EtherCAT applications, a shielded connector should be selected when the communication system operates in an electrically noisy environment. In areas close to variable-frequency drives, motors, switching equipment, or other high-interference sources, effective 360° shielding can help maintain stable high-speed communication. This becomes increasingly important for cable runs exceeding 3 m, where electromagnetic interference can have a greater impact on signal integrity.

The CAZN M8 D-Code connector uses a full-metal shielding structure with the cable braid terminated around the connector housing. Compared with simplified foil shielding or single-point shielding structures, a continuous 360° shield provides a more complete EMC protection path and helps reduce communication jitter and packet loss caused by electromagnetic interference.

Shield grounding should also be planned according to the overall equipment EMC design. The equipment frame and shielding system should be properly grounded to avoid unintended ground loops and additional interference. The grounding method should be coordinated with the system architecture and applicable EMC requirements rather than treating the connector independently.

Cable selection is another important factor. Industrial Cat5e twisted-pair cable should be used for reliable Ethernet transmission. For applications involving continuous movement, such as robot joints, drag chains, and automated machinery, PUR high-flex, oil-resistant cable is recommended. For fixed installations, PVC industrial Ethernet cable can provide a practical solution.

CAZN M8 D-Code: Compact Connectivity for Industrial Ethernet

The CAZN M8 D-Code 4-pin shielded connector combines a compact M8 form factor with 360° full-metal shielding to support stable 100 Mbps Industrial Ethernet communication. With IP67 protection, M8 × 1 threaded locking, gold-plated contacts, an operating temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, and a rated mating life of at least 500 cycles, it is designed for demanding automation environments involving vibration, dust, moisture, and electromagnetic interference.

CAZN provides a complete range of M8 D-Code solutions, including pre-assembled molded cables, field-assembly connectors, and panel-mount sockets. Different straight and right-angle configurations, cable types, and connection options support customized wiring requirements for distributed I/O, collaborative robots, miniature vision systems, servo equipment, and other compact industrial Ethernet applications.

With compact dimensions and reliable shielding, CAZN M8 D-Code connectors provide a practical connectivity solution for industrial equipment where communication stability, EMC performance, and limited installation space must be addressed simultaneously.