Brief EtherCAT Background Info
EtherCAT is a special protocol typically used for industrial automation, motion control, various control systems, and data acquisition. The full description is, “Ethernet for Control Automation Technology.” Unlike the standard, modular Ethernet cables, EtherCAT often uses M8 or M12 connectors. This often depends on the requirements of the application.
Original Cable Description
ZK1090-3131-0015 is an EtherCAT cable made by a manufacturer called Beckhoff. The main specifications include the following:
- Connector Type: M8
- Keying: A-Coded
- Contact Type: Male
- Number of Positions: 4
- Ethernet Speed Comparison: CAT 5
- Length: 1.5m
- Shielded
Other details can be found in the datasheet here.
Alternative Option
This may be a well-known protocol; however, we have a limited selection of products that use it or are compatible. Our circular cable assembly category may have alternates, but there aren’t going to be speed specifications listed there. The potential alternate from Tensility is DigiKey part number 839-10-04163-ND (10-04163). This assembly has the following similarities:
- Connector Type: M8
- Keying: A-Coded
- Contact Type: Male
- Number of Positions: 4
- Length: 1.5m
- Shielded (this will help with the speed performance)
We cannot guarantee CAT 5 speeds in this instance as it isn’t stated in the datasheet.