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RUGGED COMPUTING · CONNECTORS

What Is an M12 X-Coded Connector?

An M12 X-coded connector is the 8-pin M12 coding for Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Its four twisted pairs are separated by a cross-shaped shield that controls crosstalk at high speed, and it can carry Power over Ethernet with a suitable cable. It is defined in IEC 61076-2-109.

01

The Short Answer

X coding brought Gigabit Ethernet to M12. The X-shaped shield inside the connector isolates each pair from the others, which is what lets a sealed, screw-locked connector carry the same speeds as a Cat 6A RJ45 link.

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    Pins 8, in four shielded pairs.
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    Speed 1 Gbit/s and 10 Gbit/s.
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    PoE Supported with a PoE-rated cable.
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    Standard IEC 61076-2-109.
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    To RJ45 Maps to all eight RJ45 pins.
02

X-Coded Connectors on Computers

Most rugged and waterproof computers now use X-coded M12 for their Gigabit, 2.5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit ports, and edge AI computers and NVRs use it for PoE camera ports. It does not mate with D-coded M12, so check the coding when ordering cables. Our guide to M12 connectors compares every coding, and the M12 coding FAQ explains how coding works.