You can change from RJ45 to D-coded M12 connectors.
Suitable for harsh industrial environments with IP67 protection
Using 12 protocols on a single piece of hardware


On the 16th, Hilscher launched the 'AIFX-RE/M12', a detachable real-time Ethernet network interface. The cifX family of PC cards for industrial communication supporting the M12 interface is suitable for harsh industrial environments and can implement IP67 protection.

M12, the second most widely used standard in industrial automation following RJ45, provides additional connector protection required in harsh industrial environments. It supports robust connections by preventing dust and moisture from entering the contacts, and enhances the efficiency of customer solution maintenance by preventing self-loosening and self-separation over the long term through resistance to shock and vibration.

Regardless of the selected connector technology, the AIFX-RE/M12 allows all existing components, such as cables, firmware, configurations, tools, and cifX hardware, to be reused in existing solutions in the exact same way. Additionally, for real-time Ethernet connectivity, the RJ45 can be easily converted to a D-coding M12 connector via plug-and-play, requiring only adjustment of the cutouts on the housing or front plate.

Hilscher's AIFX-RE/M12 supports the implementation of solutions suitable for various industrial automation sectors in harsh environments, including food and beverage, tooling, production and vision, semiconductors, and automotive. In addition to the M12 connector, an additional 10-pin LED connector can be used instead of the integrated LED lighting pipe, allowing customers to realize systems rated up to IP67.

Won Il-min, CEO of Hilscher Korea, stated, “The cifX product family, based on the netX multiprotocol ASIC, all use the same tools, drivers, and application interfaces,” adding, “Protocols, card formats, or connector technologies can be modified even after integration, and it supports slave functions as well as master functions.”

AIFX-RE/M12 can be used with all types of Hilscher cifX portfolios via a detachable network interface. It can be used with NVRAM additional type products, supported temperature extended type products, and products without heat sinks.

By integrating cifX and AIFX-RE/M12, 12 different protocols can be used on a single piece of hardware, including CC-Link IE Field Basic Slave, EtherCAT Master and Slave, EtherNet/IP Scanner and Adapter, Modbus TCP, POWERLINK Controlled Node, PROFINET I/O IRT Controller and Device, SERCOS Master and Slave, and VARAN Slave.