Electronic – Special requirements 100Mbps (Ethernet) connection to PCB

connectordifferentialethernetpcbpcb-design

Is there any special requirements/limitations to how 100Mbps Ethernet conductors can be connected to the PCB?

For instance in the design prompting the question I have a Ethernet connection entering the enclosure via a M12 panel mount (4-pin, D-coded), on the other side of the M12 are 4 conductors – these conductors need to be connected to the PCB holding the Ethernet PHY.

Can I put them into the board via a screw/spring loaded terminal? should I solder directly? Are there special connectors for this purpose that I have not yet stumbled across?

Best Answer

100Mbps Ethernet requires 100Ω differential pairs. This means the connectors and PCB traces need to be matched to 100Ω, if the connector doesn't support differential pairs there will be reflection and attenuation which degrade signal quality and lead to packet loss.

There are many panel mount connectors available such as this which are cheap and easy to use:

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https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/adafruit-industries-llc/909/1528-1572-ND/5844686&?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrrq3wYOZ4gIVkshkCh258Qt4EAQYAiABEgJcc_D_BwE