Single pair ethernet connector system
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a connector plug for attachment to a single pair Ethernet cable comprising a pair of conductors, and configured for being received in a connector receptacle. The connector plug includes a first end for receiving the single pair Ethernet cable and a second end having a pair of contacts, each of the contacts comprising a receptacle contact interface, a conductor interface, and an extension to provide an increased width between conductor gripping prongs at the conductor interface while maintaining a consistent spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface with connector plugs configured to mate with different gauge cables.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a connector plug for attachment to a single pair Ethernet cable comprising a pair of conductors, and configured for being received in a connector receptacle, the connector plug comprising:
a first end for receiving the single pair Ethernet cable; and
a second end comprising a pair of contacts, each of the contacts comprising a receptacle contact interface and a conductor interface;
wherein each of the contacts comprises an extension to provide an increased width between conductor gripping prongs at the conductor interface while maintaining a consistent spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface with connector plugs configured to mate with different gauge cables.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the single pair Ethernet cable comprises an 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) cable and said spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface is consistent with a connector plug configured for attachment to a 26 AWG cable.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein external dimensions of the connector plug are consistent with external dimensions of the connector plug configured for attachment to the 26 AWG cable.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the single pair Ethernet cable carries Power over Ethernet (PoE).
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector plug comprises a latch for secure attachment to the receptacle, the latch connected to a tab accessible when the connector plug is inserted into the receptacle for release of the connector plug.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the contacts comprises at least three of the conductor gripping prongs and spacing between the prongs is defined by a U-shaped extension, and wherein the gripping prongs are crimped onto the conductors of the single pair Ethernet cable using insulation displacement.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface is approximately 0.04 in.