Ethernet and RJ45 conquer the music and entertainment world / R&M and Neutrik, leading connector manufacturers undertake joint developments / Better transmission quality / Market introduction of EtherCon® CAT6
Wetzikon, January 2008.
The Swiss cabling specialist, Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) and the Liechtenstein company, Neutrik AG (www.neutrik.com), well-known manufacturer of robust connectivity technology, support the trend of digital data transmission on the world’s stages. The result of the first joint product development is the EtherCon® CAT6 patch cord and connector system for professional audio, stage and lighting technology. Jack and connector contain modified RJ45 / Cat. 6 modules from R&M. The field terminated connection solution is shielded, watertight and vibration-resistant, and it provides an extraordinary transmission quality and transmission security.
The Product
EtherCon® CAT6 from Neutrik is the first rugged & waterproof RJ45 / Cat. 6 connection solution for data network applications up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet via copper cabling in the field of audio, stage and lighting technology. Modified RJ45 / Cat. 6 modules from R&M are located in the metal housing of connecters or jacks. The connector system is dustproof and splash-resistant according to the IP54 protection index. In addition, the metal housing protects against impacts, blows and other mechanical dangers. A push-pull lock, as well as the patented tension relief tongs from Neutrik, protect the connector against pulling out or in case of jerky loads and cable tension. Automatic contacting of the all-round shielding and grounding jumpers with selectable mass option complete the precautions against electromagnetic interferences.
Neutrik offers EtherCon® CAT6 with prefabricated Cat. 6 S/FTP patch cords in various lengths. IDC technology (Insulation Displacement Contact) from R&M in the wiring block facilitates on-site termination without special tools. This allows stage technicians to individually install, adjust or repair connections in a few steps. R&M's IDC technology provides gastight, dustproof, watertight and vibration-resistant wire contact. It allows wiring of stranded wires as well as solid wires.
EtherCon® CAT6 was developed to cover the increasing demand for the secure broadband transmission of large data volumes. The connector system is particularly appropriate for Ethernet applications in rough, turbulent environments - such as are found on open-air stages and during outdoor events or live broadcasting, or in Internet applications within the scope of events. The Cat. 6 specifications of the new development correspond to the TIA / EIA 568B, ISO / IEC 11801 and EN 50173 standards.
The Story
Seventy years after the invention of E-guitars a new revolution is erupting on the stages of the world: music is digitalized where it is made - and not subsequently in the computer. The first digital E-guitar appeared on the scene in 2007. What would that be like without direct network access? That means, Ethernet and RJ45 connector must go on stage as well. Neutrik, embodying connectivity technology in the entertainment world, anticipated the trend and, together with R&M, developed the Cat. 6 solution.
Digitalization in the entertainment industry progresses ceaselessly. It now replaces the analog technology on show and concert stages. Experts expect a big leap in development from the first digital E-guitar, which was introduced on the market a few months ago. We will experience new sounds. The sound of each individual string can now be transferred digitally and unaltered via RJ45 connectors and Ethernet protocol to computers and can be selectively controlled. Interference frequencies can be completely eliminated. The audio quality no longer suffers, even with 100-meter long stage cables and wild acrobatic movements by the musicians.
RJ45 moves into audio, video and stage technology
Neutrik AG in Schaan in the Principality of Liechtenstein is among the companies that have planned for such developments in the long term. Neutrik, the leading international manufacturer of connectivity technology for the studio, stage and entertainment world, is a familiar name – not only to insiders. The company feels obligated to be a few technological steps ahead and to develop functional, top quality connector solutions.
Neutrik favors the same customer-oriented approach that shapes Reichle & De-Massari's product development. Thus, it was logical for Neutrik and R&M to get together and initiate joint developments. The result is the EtherCon CAT6, the first Cat. 6 / RJ45 connector for broadband applications up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet via copper cabling in the field of audio, stage and lighting technology.
A modified RJ45 module from R&M provides reliable transmission in the EtherCon CAT6. With its sturdy metal housing, the new rugged and waterproofed connector is ideal for the rough environment of show and concert stages, digital audio, video and data transmissions in studios and open-air events of any kind, or for specific industrial applications. It is dustproof and splash-resistant according to the IP54 protection index and provides a unique push-pull lock, as well as automatic shield contacts, grounding jumpers with selectable mass option, and also the patented tension relief tongs from Neutrik.
With R&M's perfected and high quality insulation displacement contact (IDC) in the wiring block, the installation cables can be wired without special tools. This allows stage technicians to individually install, adjust or repair connections in a few steps on site. R&M's IDC technology provides gastight, dustproof, watertight and vibration-resistant wire contact - regardless of whether the wires are stranded or solid. Even intensely-rocking musicians can hardly interfere with EtherCon CAT6 when it comes to the brilliant and digital transmission of music and singing from source to the data network.
Parallels: A future-oriented approach, quality, corporate culture
Initially, it was a completely different innovation that triggered the cooperation between the two companies. Neutrik had heard of the RCC45® multi-talent, which R&M had developed as a hybrid solution for combining Cat.5 and POF connections. Neutrik wanted to test the POF (Polymer Optical Fiber = optical fiber made of plastic) medium for its suitability for signal and data transmission on stages. Inquiries were made at R&M for details and it was determined that both companies are on the same wavelength where technology, quality and business strategy are concerned, although they serve very different markets. Neutrik was impressed by the visit to the R&M production facility in Bubikon, immediately recognizing the potential of a high-end Cat. 6 connector for audio and stage technology.
An example of the company’s quality awareness is the 100% checking of Cat. 6 products. R&M is still the only manufacturer worldwide who 100% checks each Cat. 6 module for all critical transmission values during fully automatic assembly. For years, R&M's Cat. 6 products have been meeting the requirements of future high-performance networks with 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance.
The contact is among the main features of the RJ45 / Cat. 6 modules. R&M's insulation displacement contact with tin-plated cutting edges and the mechanical stabilization of the individual conductors through clamping in the module provide extremely long-term stability of the connection. This method guarantees protection against corrosion, dampness and dirt because the coating on the contacts cannot be damaged and the contact itself is locked gas-tight. Additional quality features and options for maximum performance are: gold-plated contacts, capacitive and inductive compensation, patented shield contacting, integrated tension relief and 360° shielding.
Example
RJ45 IP67: Cat. 6 Solution for Industrial Applications from R&M
R&M offers the RJ45 IP67 as a connection solution for powerful copper cabling in rough industrial environments. This RJ45/Cat. 6 connector is particularly appropriate for Industrial Ethernet applications requiring large bandwidth. It can be used for network operations up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet via 100-meter horizontal cabling links and is backwards compatible with Cat. 5 and Cat. 5e.
The wiring block houses the IDC technology from R&M (IDC = Insulation Displacement Contact). The insulation displacement contact technology for industrial use ensures that the contact points do not wear out, even when exposed to strong mechanical, weather and chemical influences in production plants. It is designed for flexible and rigid wires with diameters of AWG 26 to AWG 22. In addition, a tension relief is integrated, which can accommodate cables with an outside diameter of up to 8.5 mm. Capacitive and inductive compensation ensures a smooth data flow in the connector. All-round shielding is built in from the outset, allowing the use of the connector in electromagnetic environments. Shield contacting takes place automatically during pre-termination of the connector. A round sleeve with a push-pull lock provides outside protection against dust, dirt and dampness. The connector complies with the IP67 (IEC 60529) protection index criteria. It is similarly appropriate for industrial cabling in compliance with ISO/IEC 24702 and EN 50173-3 (draft) as well as for structured cabling systems complying with ISO/IEC 11801 and/or EN 50173-1 and 50173-2.
The Companies
Reichle & De-Massari AG
The independent Swiss family business of Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M) has more than 40 years of experience in the information and communications technology market. In development and manufacturing, the company focuses on future-oriented passive cabling solutions for communication networks (Layer 1). R&M has earned the reputation of a leader in quality, offering added value in the fields of copper and fiber optics. The system solutions set benchmarks in modularity as well as in installation and maintenance convenience. R&M creates solutions for customers in the carrier, enterprise, industrial and residential cabling segments.
R&M’s headquarters are in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Subsidiaries have been established in Germany, Dubai, Italy, Austria, Poland, Singapore and Hungary. Qualified sales partners look after customers in many other countries worldwide. R&M realizes approximately 75% of its sales abroad – and this percentage is rising. The company is 100 percent owned by the Reichle family and employs approximately 600 people. Here too, the trend is growing. Together with Hans-Peter Legler, CSO, and Martin Gasser, CFO, Martin and Peter Reichle as CEO and COO, as the second generation, manage this dynamic company and guarantee continuing development of the innovative range of products conforming to top quality criteria.
Neutrik AG
Similarly to R&M, Neutrik started as a two-man company with the objective of developing innovative products at the mechanical and electronic interface. This was in 1975. Today the Liechtenstein Neutrik AG is a global company with 750 employees and a reputation that is legendary - particularly in the media and entertainment sector. Neutrik develops, assembles and sells audio, coaxial, power and circular plug connectors and has a good command of the copper and fiber optic connectivity technology. Speakon, a connector system for loudspeakers, has been on the market since 1987 and has become a generic term. With its future-oriented product development, Neutrik has set new standards and obtained over 50 patents.
Neutrik's strong points are outstanding innovation, top quality based on the ISO 9001:2000 management system, close customer contact and modern marketing. Thus, Neutrik recognizes market requirements efficiently and implements them quickly, thanks to the latest development tools and production technology, at the same time catering for individual customer needs.
Every year, 60 million connectors are put on the market with the Neutrik logo. All of them are assembled at the home base in Schaan. Production is round the clock. Neutrik's market share is at 50 percent. Seven subsidiaries, as well as exclusive distributors in over 80 countries, supply OEM partners, assemblers, customers and users. Continuity, technically competent management, a distinctive quality approach, constant innovation, customer-oriented and viable production development focusing on added value, as well as extraordinary flexibility, shape the corporate culture.