| | |

Beckhoff Future-Proofs Hybrid Connectors in Industrial Cable Offering

December 9, 2024

Beckhoff Future-Proofs Hybrid Connectors in Industrial Cable Offering
Already compliant with the upcoming IEC 61076-2-118 standard, modular hybrid connectors from Beckhoff will continue to simplify cable assembly and installation. (© Beckhoff, 2024) Picture credits: Beckhoff Automation

The comprehensive hybrid connector portfolio from Beckhoff is ready for upcoming IEC 61076-2-118 standard updates, further enhancing EtherCAT-based One Cable Automation technology

Beckhoff’s proven hybrid connectors, part of the company’s One Cable Automation (OCA) solution, are receiving a major update to better support distributed automation well into the future. Beyond the design advantages of consistent modularization with a uniform data core, these connectors now comply with the upcoming IEC 61076-2-118 standard, enabling a seamless transition in advance of the rollout.

Roughly 100,000 OCA connectors from Beckhoff have already been proven in the field, predominantly in EtherCAT applications. Now, Beckhoff hybrid connectors are among the first products to comply with the IEC 61076-2-118 standard, which should be published by the end of 2024. Early adoption of this standard safeguards users in two key ways:

  • strengthening supply chains and second-source strategies to ensure availability
  • maximizing long-term reliability through established and widely adopted standards

Hybrid connectors transmit power and data via a single line to reduce cable and connector expense, not to mention assembly time and cost. The OCA solution, which Beckhoff developed with a partner, offers the additional advantage of high modularity, permitting a wide range of cable and connector variants for numerous applications while providing mechanical coding to minimize connection errors.

The uniform data module remains standard in all four sizes: B12, B17, B23, and B40. This modularity greatly simplifies installation rather than creating additional work. In addition, the clear color markings on the contact carrier match the wire color of the cable, which eliminates outdated requirements for complex documentation that details each individual pin assignment.

Beckhoff’s streamlined hybrid connector portfolio comprises just 10 individual components – significantly fewer than comparable third-party products. The intuitive process prevents incorrect assemblony by design because the individual parts can only be assembled in one direction. In combination with the data module, this typically reduces assembly time by two-thirds.

More Information

Modular Hybrid Connectors

Related Story

ASI8100 Stepper Motors with Integrated Drives Enable Cabinet-Free Machine Concepts

The ASI8100 stepper motor with built-in drive from Beckhoff adds another space-saving tool to the company’s broad range of compact drive technology products (up to 48 V DC). The ASI8100 series combines a stepper motor, stepper motor output stage, and fieldbus connection in a fully integrated design. These EtherCAT devices mount directly on the machine without a control cabinet or upstream I/O, allowing for highly compact, control cabinet-free machines.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    Festo Didactic Showcases Technical Education and Training at Hannover Messe 2025

    May 20, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Hannover Messe 2025 was an extra special event for Festo. The Festo Group celebrated their 100th anniversary, Festo Canada celebrated their 50th anniversary, and Festo Didactic celebrated their 60th anniversary. Festo Didactic, the education arm of the company, understands how important education is for empowering individuals, driving economic growth,… Read More…

  • EtherCAT in Boost Mode

    May 14, 2025 EtherCAT and PC-based control in test bench technology EtherCAT is by far the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology. Nevertheless, the data acquisition process at Kraus & Naimer’s cam controller test benches called for an even shorter bus cycle. To achieve the required performance, Beckhoff specialists reduced the previous cycle time from 100 µs… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Electromate to Offer UR7e, UR12e & UR15 Collaborative Robots from Universal Robots

    May 20, 2025 Electromate is expanding its lineup of collaborative automation solutions with the addition of three advanced models from Universal Robots: the UR7e, UR12e, and UR15. These robots provide enhanced options for payload, reach, and precision in demanding collaborative applications. The UR7e delivers a 7 kg payload, 1300 mm reach, and ±0.03 mm repeatability. Positioned between the UR5e and… Read More…

  • Redefining Non-Invasive Temperature Measurement

    May 14, 2025 iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 provides accuracy and response time comparable to invasive temperature measurement. The non-invasive thermometer iTHERM SurfaceLine TM611 by Endress+Hauser can be used across all industries for a wide range of demanding industrial applications. The surface-mounted thermometer measures process temperature without the risk of leakage and flow disruption. A specially designed… Read More…