mcmaster goal: come up with a standard connector to put on BBB cape

Goals:

• Requirement: fit 6 connectors on reasonable size BBB cape
• Use an existing standard
• COTS cables, or at least easily
• Shielded
• Durable

Main candidates:

• DB9
  • Durable connector
  • COTS super available
  • Shielded
  • Breakout boards readily available
  • No insustry standard pinout
    • I thought Gecko, but that's actually for the motors
• DB25
  • Industry standard connector
    • Single and multi versions
  • However, too large
• Combicon style connector
  • Quick to make
  • Can use shielded cables
  • Can't buy whole cable, or at least will be expensive
  • Wires can stress and fall off
  • Used on Gecko and some others, although not consistently

Above: Compumotor OEM650 pinout

Above: PMC VS Drive pinout

This seems to have been a de facto standard for some years. I've observed it on Compumotor, PMC, and other drivers.

mcmaster: IMHO this is too bulky to use in modern applications, although I do have several legacy drivers using it

Used on some MDrive17 motors

mcmaster: of particular interest to me since I try to use these motors by default.

Above: G540 indexer connection

The G320X servo driver uses post mounted Phoenix contact type connectors.

M12/M23 seems to be common on modern stepper motors. The MDrive manual for example cites it was done to reach IP65 enclosure rating:

The MDrive17Plus2-65 Motion Control adds protection against the ingress of fluids and dust to
the MDrive17Plus2 by changing the motor-drive enclosure to meet IP65 specifications. With this
change the connector configuration changes to industry standard M12/M23 circular connectors.

http://www.te.com/content/dam/te-com/documents/channel/global/m8m12-connectorsystem-presentation.pdf

• A-coding: actuator-sensor plug connections for DeviceNet, IO link and Profibus
  • DeviceNet is used my mcmaster MFCs
• B-coding: Fieldbus connections for Profibus and Interbus
• D-coding: Industrial Ethernet, Profinet, Ethernet/IP and EtherCat
• S-coding: Motor, Frequency-convertors, motor operated switches, PSUs for Power, 620V, 12A
• T-coding: Fieldbus comp, passive distribution boxes, motors, PSUs for Power, 63V, 12A

List of common connectors

Above: PMC motor