IX Industrial to RJ45 Cable Selection Guide
How to choose the correct Cat6A IX A-Key to RJ45 cable by interface type, right-angle exit direction, panel-mount requirement, shielding construction, and installation clearance.
Choosing an IX Industrial to RJ45 cable is not only a question of cable length. The wrong RJ45 termination, the wrong 90° exit direction, or the wrong panel-mount strategy can turn a technically correct Cat6A cable into a cable that cannot be installed. This guide compares five IX A-Key to RJ45 configurations and shows what to confirm before ordering.
First choose the RJ45 side: use an RJ45 plug for direct connection to a switch, camera, controller, or device port; use an RJ45 Keystone jack where the connection must be fixed through a panel, enclosure, or service port. Then choose CVL1 when the IX A-Key cable must route downward and CVL2 when it must route upward. Finally, confirm Cat6A shielding, cable OD, length, and mechanical clearance with the real equipment drawing.
📋 Contents
What Is an IX Industrial A-Key to RJ45 Cable?
An IX Industrial to RJ45 cable bridges compact IX Industrial Ethernet equipment to conventional RJ45-based infrastructure. It is useful when an industrial controller, camera, network device, or embedded system uses an IX interface but the connected switch, panel, patch point, or existing machine wiring still uses RJ45.
The IX Industrial interface family is standardized under IEC 61076-3-124. Official manufacturer information for the interface family describes Cat6A-class transmission capability, high-density layouts, compact dimensions, and an Ethernet coding option. In real installations, however, complete link performance still depends on the cable assembly, mating hardware, routing, shielding continuity, and installed system conditions.
Why IX Industrial?
- Compact alternative for high-density industrial equipment
- Designed for Ethernet-focused A-Key applications
- Suitable for Cat6A-class 1/10 Gigabit Ethernet systems when the full channel is correctly specified
- Useful where conventional RJ45 creates an installation-space problem
Where an IX-to-RJ45 Cable Helps
- Industrial Ethernet switch connections
- Machine vision and imaging equipment
- Factory automation and robotics
- Control-cabinet panels and service ports
- Compact embedded and medical equipment
RJ45 Plug vs RJ45 Keystone Jack: Choose by Installation Method
The RJ45 side should be selected by how the cable will be installed, not by preference alone. A plug supports a direct connection to a device port. A Keystone jack becomes part of a fixed panel or structured-cabling interface and is usually the better choice when operators need an accessible, replaceable service connection.
| Requirement | Recommended RJ45 End | Typical Premier Cable Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Direct connection to switch, camera, controller, or port | RJ45 Male Plug | PCM-HD-0292 or PCM-HD-0294 |
| Control cabinet, machine enclosure, access panel, or service interface | RJ45 Keystone Jack | PCM-HD-0290, PCM-HD-0291, or PCM-HD-0293 |
| Need to route the cable through a restricted panel or enclosure layout | RJ45 Keystone Jack, with CVL1 or CVL2 selected by exit path | PCM-HD-0291 or PCM-HD-0293 |
CVL1 vs CVL2: Confirm the Right-Angle Cable Exit Before Ordering
For this product family, CVL1 and CVL2 indicate different right-angle IX A-Key cable-exit orientations. Their electrical purpose is the same, but their physical routing direction is not. In a compact cabinet or machine enclosure, selecting the wrong direction can cause interference with an adjacent panel, housing wall, cable duct, or connector.
CVL1 - 90° Down Exit
On the specified CVL1 products, Pin 1 is oriented toward the lower side, close to the cable exit direction. Use this option when the cable must route downward after mating or when clearance is needed above the connector.
CVL2 - 90° Up Exit
On the specified CVL2 products, Pin 1 is located at the top of the connector and the cable exit direction is opposite to Pin 1. Use this option when the cable must route upward or away from lower obstructions.
Important: Confirm the actual device-side connector view and cable routing direction from the product drawing or panel photograph before purchase. "Up" and "down" should be interpreted from the mating-face reference shown on the drawing-not from a loose cable viewed from an arbitrary angle.
Figure 1. Example of an IX A-Key to RJ45 Keystone cable used as a panel-mounted industrial Ethernet service connection.
Cat6A SFTP Cable Construction and Industrial Routing Considerations
The IX A-Key to RJ45 products in this guide are built for Cat6A industrial Ethernet use with shielded cable construction. Shielding is especially relevant where the cable is routed close to motors, drives, switching power supplies, relays, servo systems, or other electrical-noise sources. The entire installed link must preserve shield continuity and proper grounding practice to obtain the expected EMC benefit.
PCM-HD-0294 uses a green TPU Cat6A SFTP cable with the factory construction (#26-1P+A) ×4 + E + B + Z BS, a nominal OD of 6.5 mm, and 26AWG conductors. This is the product-specific cable construction to use where the 2 m CVL1-to-RJ45-plug configuration is required.
Why Cat6A and SFTP Matter
- Supports a Cat6A-class cabling design for high-speed Ethernet channels
- Individual-pair and overall shielding help reduce noise coupling
- Useful for compact industrial networking where cable paths run near equipment wiring
- Provides a more controlled solution than an unshielded patch lead in noise-sensitive systems
Do Not Assume These Ratings
- Do not assume an IP rating unless the assembled product is specifically rated and documented.
- Do not claim a drag-chain cycle count without a defined cable test record.
- Do not treat "TPU" alone as proof of a particular oil, chemical, UV, or outdoor rating.
- Confirm PoE, temperature, bend radius, and environmental requirements for the actual system.
PCM-HD-0290 to PCM-HD-0294 Product Matrix
Use this matrix to shortlist the correct configuration. Confirm final interface dimensions, direction, and stock status with the applicable drawing or quotation before releasing a purchase order.
| Part Number | IX Side | RJ45 Side | Cable Exit | Stock / Standard Length | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCM-HD-0290 | IX40G-A-10S-CV A-Key | Cat6A RJ45 Keystone Jack | Straight | Confirm for project | Panel integration where a straight IX exit is suitable |
| PCM-HD-0291 | IX30G / IX40G A-Key CVL2 | Cat6A RJ45 Keystone Jack | 90° Up | 0.2 m / 2 m in stock | Panel mount with upward cable routing |
| PCM-HD-0292 | IX30G / IX40G A-Key CVL2 | Cat6A RJ45 Male Plug | 90° Up | 2 m | Direct RJ45 device connection with upward routing |
| PCM-HD-0293 | IX30G / IX40G A-Key CVL1 | Cat6A RJ45 Keystone Jack | 90° Down | 0.2 m / 2 m in stock | Panel mount with downward cable routing |
| PCM-HD-0294 | IX30G / IX40G A-Key CVL1 | Cat6A RJ45 Male Plug | 90° Down | 2 m | Direct RJ45 device connection with 26AWG Cat6A SFTP green TPU cable, OD 6.5 mm |
Termination option note: Where offered, IX30G-A-10S-CVL1/CVL2 is the IDC termination version and IX40G-A-10S-CVL1/CVL2 is the solder termination version. Select the correct supplied configuration based on the confirmed build specification; do not treat termination method as a substitute for confirming direction or mating interface.
Five IX A-Key to RJ45 Configurations: Product Overview and Image Positions
Insert two white-background product photos for each part number below. Use one full-product view and one connector-detail or orientation view. The second image is especially valuable for CVL1 and CVL2 products because it shows the real exit direction before the buyer sends an inquiry.
PCM-HD-0290 - IX A-Key to RJ45 Keystone Jack
A Cat6A SFTP IX A-Key to RJ45 Keystone cable for panel-mount or modular cabling systems where a straight IX exit is suitable. The listed cable uses a green TPU jacket with OD 6.5 mm.
PCM-HD-0291 - IX A-Key CVL2 to RJ45 Keystone Jack
A 26AWG Cat6A SFTP high-flex TPU cable assembly with a 90° upward IX A-Key exit and a panel-mount RJ45 Keystone jack. Stock lengths: 0.2 m and 2 m.
PCM-HD-0292 - IX A-Key CVL2 to RJ45 Male Plug
A 2 m 26AWG Cat6A SFTP high-flex TPU cable assembly with a 90° upward IX A-Key exit and a standard RJ45 male plug for direct connection to Ethernet equipment.
PCM-HD-0293 - IX A-Key CVL1 to RJ45 Keystone Jack
A 26AWG Cat6A SFTP high-flex TPU cable assembly with a 90° downward IX A-Key exit and a panel-mount RJ45 Keystone jack. Stock lengths: 0.2 m and 2 m.
PCM-HD-0294 - IX A-Key CVL1 to RJ45 Male Plug
A 2 m Cat6A SFTP cable assembly with a 90° downward IX A-Key exit and RJ45 male plug. Cable construction: (#26-1P+A) ×4 + E + B + Z BS; green TPU jacket; OD 6.5 mm.Use when: a direct RJ45 device connection is needed and the IX cable must route downward.
Installation Checklist: Avoid the Most Common Selection Errors
Before Purchase
- Confirm the device uses an IX Industrial A-Key mating interface.
- Decide whether the RJ45 end must be a plug or a panel-mount Keystone jack.
- Check whether the physical cable route must be CVL1 down or CVL2 up.
- Measure clearance above, below, and beside the IX port.
- Confirm length, shielding level, cable OD, and any environmental requirements.
Before Installation
- Inspect connector orientation against the approved drawing.
- Do not force the connector if the keying or alignment is incorrect.
- Keep the cable route clear of sharp edges and pinch points.
- Follow system-level grounding and shield-termination practice.
- Perform continuity and network-function testing after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Send an Accurate IX Industrial Cable RFQ
A complete RFQ reduces back-and-forth and helps prevent direction errors. Copy the checklist below into your inquiry.
Technical References and Editorial Note
This guide combines Premier Cable product-specific information with publicly available official information about the IX Industrial interface family. Interface-family references are included to explain standards and general technology context; they do not replace the drawing, specification, or test requirements for a specific finished cable assembly.
- Hirose IX Series Catalog - IEC 61076-3-124, compact form factor, high-density layout and Cat6A-class interface context.
- Hirose ix Industrial and PROFINET reference - Ethernet coding and interface-family context.
- HARTING ix Industrial reference - Cat6A 1/10 Gbit/s interface and IEC 61076-3-124 context.
Conclusion: Select the Route, Not Just the Connector
PCM-HD-0290 through PCM-HD-0294 cover five practical IX Industrial A-Key to RJ45 configurations: straight or right-angle IX routing, CVL1 down or CVL2 up exit, and RJ45 Keystone jack or RJ45 male plug termination. The right selection is the one that matches the actual machine layout, panel strategy, and cable route.
For a first-time project, provide a connector photo or panel drawing before ordering. It is the fastest way to verify CVL1/CVL2 direction, RJ45 termination style, cable length, and installation clearance.
📩 Contact Premier Cable
- ✅ IX Industrial A-Key to RJ45 plug and Keystone configurations
- ✅ CVL1 / CVL2 orientation confirmation before production
- ✅ Custom length, shielding, cable jacket, and labeling support
- ✅ Continuity and insulation testing by project requirement
- ✅ Prototype and volume-production support for OEM projects
