XT30 2+2 Power and CAN Bus Cables for Robotics, AGVs and Automation
This guide explains how XT30(2+2) cable assemblies combine two power conductors with one twisted signal pair, and compares four cable configurations for panel mounting, open-wire integration, direct interconnection and extension.
Quick answer: An XT30(2+2), also written as XT30 2+2, contains two larger contacts and two smaller contacts. In many power-and-CAN applications, the larger contacts carry DC power while the smaller contacts carry CAN signals. The connector shape alone does not establish compatibility.
Compatibility note: Confirm connector gender, equipment voltage, continuous and peak current, power polarity, CAN_H/CAN_L assignment, cable length and installation conditions before connecting any cable. The product drawings described below define conductor continuity, but they do not independently define the connected equipment's functional pin assignment.
Contents
What Is an XT30(2+2) Cable?
An XT30(2+2) cable assembly uses a compact hybrid connector with two larger contacts and two smaller contacts. A typical cable contains two larger-gauge conductors and one twisted pair under the same outer jacket. This allows power and differential communication signals to be routed through one connector without sharing the same conductors.
For the four Premier Cable models covered in this article, the cable construction uses two 18AWG conductors and one 24AWG twisted pair. Connector gender and cable termination vary by model.
| Contact group | Typical use | Required verification |
|---|---|---|
| Two larger contacts | DC power and power return | Voltage, polarity, current and temperature rise |
| Two smaller contacts | CAN_H and CAN_L, or other communication/control signals | Pin assignment, bit rate, cable length and network topology |
Four XT30(2+2) Cable Configurations
The four models use the same basic conductor arrangement but solve different connection requirements. The table below shows the primary differences.
| Model | Connector configuration | Standard length | Primary function |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCM-0929 | Panel-mount male to female | 300 ± 15 mm | Panel or enclosure integration |
| PCM-0930 | Female to open wire | 3000 ± 50 mm | Controller, terminal or custom harness integration |
| PCM-0931 | Female to female | 2000 ± 30 mm | Direct equipment interconnection |
| PCM-0932 | Male to female | 2000 ± 30 mm | Straight-through extension |
Panel-Mount Male-to-Female Cable
A short straight-through assembly with a panel-mount XT30(2+2) male connector at P1 and a female connector at P2. It is intended for mounting the interface on a controller box, robot base, test fixture or custom enclosure.
Female-to-Open-Wire Integration Cable
A female XT30(2+2) cable with color-coded open conductors for connection to a terminal block, controller, PCB harness or customer-specified opposite-end connector.
Female-to-Female Interconnect Cable
A straight-through cable with female XT30(2+2) connectors at both ends. It is used where two compatible male interfaces must be connected without modifying the equipment-side connectors.
Male-to-Female Extension Cable
A straight-through extension cable with a male connector at P1 and a female connector at P2. It extends a compatible XT30(2+2) connection while retaining the same pin sequence from end to end.
Wiring Information
Connector-to-Connector Models
PCM-0929, PCM-0931 and PCM-0932 use straight-through conductor continuity. Pins 3 and 4 are carried by the twisted signal pair.
| P1 pin | P2 connection | Conductor note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pin 1 | 18AWG conductor |
| 2 | Pin 2 | 18AWG conductor |
| 3 | Pin 3 | 24AWG twisted pair |
| 4 | Pin 4 | 24AWG twisted pair |
PCM-0930 Open-Wire Color Identification
| Connector pin | Open-wire color | Conductor group |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Black | 18AWG conductor |
| Pin 2 | Red | 18AWG conductor |
| Pin 3 | White | 24AWG twisted pair |
| Pin 4 | Green | 24AWG twisted pair |
Do not assign functions from color alone: The wire colors and straight-through continuity identify conductors, but they do not by themselves prove which conductor is DC positive, DC negative, CAN_H or CAN_L. Use the equipment manual, approved wiring list or verified sample.
How to Select the Correct XT30(2+2) Cable
Start with the equipment interface rather than the cable appearance. Two devices may use visually similar connectors but different gender combinations, polarity or signal assignments.
Electrical information
- Equipment voltage
- Continuous and peak current
- Power polarity
- CAN_H and CAN_L assignment
- CAN bit rate and network length
Mechanical information
- Connector gender at both ends
- Required finished length
- Panel-mount or inline configuration
- Fixed, occasional-movement or continuous-motion installation
- Required bend radius, strain relief and routing space
Environmental information
- Operating temperature
- Exposure to oil, moisture, abrasion or chemicals
- EMC and shielding requirements
- Indoor or outdoor installation
- Required compliance documents
Where These Cables Are Suitable-and Where They Are Not
Potentially suitable
- Robot and actuator control modules using a matching XT30(2+2) interface
- AGV or AMR internal control wiring
- CAN-enabled motor controllers and embedded systems
- Controller enclosures and test fixtures
- Development equipment requiring combined power and communication wiring
Requires another design or separate qualification
- Equipment with a different pinout or connector-gender arrangement
- Applications exceeding the completed assembly's verified current capacity
- Waterproof, outdoor or washdown installations
- Continuous-flex, drag-chain or torsional robot-joint movement
- Systems requiring a qualified controlled-impedance or specially shielded cable
The use of 18AWG conductors does not by itself establish the current rating of the finished cable. Connector contacts, termination quality, cable length, ambient temperature and allowable temperature rise must also be considered.
CAN Bus Installation Guidance
The following checks apply to conventional high-speed CAN systems. Equipment-specific documentation takes priority.
- Use a twisted pair appropriate for the required CAN physical layer, bit rate and total bus length.
- Install one 120-ohm termination resistor at each physical end of the main bus unless the system design specifies otherwise.
- Keep branch and stub lengths within the equipment manufacturer's limits.
- Check whether termination is already built into or switchable inside the connected devices.
- Evaluate shielding and shield termination when cables are routed near motor drives, inverters or other high-noise equipment.
- Power off before mating or unmating unless the complete system is specifically designed for hot plugging.
Basic resistance check: With the network powered off and only two standard 120-ohm end terminations connected, the resistance measured between CAN_H and CAN_L is normally close to 60 ohms. Internal or switchable terminators can change this reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XT30(2+2) the same as a standard XT30 connector?
No. A standard XT30 has two main power contacts. XT30(2+2) adds two smaller contacts that may be used for CAN or other communication and control signals.
Do all XT30(2+2) devices use the same pinout?
No. Connector appearance and straight-through continuity do not establish the equipment's polarity or CAN_H/CAN_L assignment. Verify the equipment drawing before connection.
What is the difference between PCM-0931 and PCM-0932?
Both are 2 m straight-through cables using the same basic conductor construction. PCM-0931 is female-to-female, while PCM-0932 is male-to-female.
Can PCM-0930 be connected directly by wire color?
The drawing identifies the conductors as black, red, white and green for pins 1 through 4. The colors should not be treated as proof of power polarity or CAN assignment without the equipment wiring specification.
Are these cables tested before shipment?
The production drawings specify 100% testing for open circuits, short circuits and incorrect wiring. They also specify a minimum insulation resistance of 10 MΩ at DC 300 V.
What information is required for a custom version?
Provide the equipment model, connector gender, approved pinout, voltage, continuous and peak current, cable length, installation movement, environmental conditions, quantity and any available drawing or original cable sample.
Need an XT30(2+2) Cable Assembly?
Send the equipment model, connector configuration, required length, quantity, voltage, continuous and peak current, and the approved power/CAN pin assignment. Drawings and original cable samples are also accepted for review.
