Harting, Alden announce M12 quick-disconnect system

Brockton, MA; Espelkamp, Germany—Alden Products Co. and Harting Electric have jointly introduced a quick-mating, multi-coupling connector system with backwards compatibility with the M12 threaded coupler for four-pin Ethernet based applications.

By Control Engineering Staff November 23, 2004

Brockton, MA; Espelkamp, Germany— Alden Products Co. and Harting Electric have jointly introduced a quick-mating, multi-coupling connector system with backwards compatibility with the M12 threaded coupler for four-pin Ethernet based applications.

The new connector follows a cooperative design effort by the two companies, using each other’s expertise in high-reliability coupling technologies and field cable termination techniques, and complements each’s Ethernet products. Marketed under the brand names Pulse Plus by Alden and Han QCS by Harting, the new receptacle is capable of hosting multiple coupling interfaces in the same space as a traditional M12 threaded coupler. Alden and Harting add that they will both produce the full line of these new receptacles, field-installable plugs, and customized factory cable assemblies.

Han QCS or Pulse-Plus receptacles are designed with an internal thread to conform with international standards. However, they also have Alden’s Pulse-Lok auto-coupling mating technology on the outside of the receptacles’ shell to making their connection literally a ‘snap.’

In addition, they have Harting’s Harax easy-termination IDC contacts, which allow even an installed, traditional, threaded-only cable connector to be exchanged for the quick-lock system. Harax also allows field installation, maintenance and repair of the connectors on shielded or un-shielded cable.

‘Typical M12 D-coded connectors are standardized for industrial Ethernet use worldwide, and are equipped with threaded coupling mechanisms that are time consuming to use in applications where multiple and repeated matings and un-matings are required, such as testing and setting up of complex machinery and automation,’ says Sharon Thomas, Alden’s industry product manager for PulsePlus. ‘Alden’s Pulse-Lok quick-coupling technology eliminates this frustration. Also, intermittency is virtually eliminated with the Pulse Lok coupler because it provides audible, visual, and tactile mating confirmation.

‘The collaboration of these two independent firms is a vast improvement over traditional M12 4-pin threaded connectors because they’ve combined Harting’s Harax field installation capability and Alden’s Pulse Lok coupling system, while maintaining backwards compatibility and field installation capability,’ adds Thomas. ‘Using the enhanced receptacle, the user now has a choice on the plug side to mate with the traditional threads or the quicker, more effective auto-couplers.’

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com