GM Modular connectors for railway technology and demanding outdoor applications

Gimota GM Modular connectors are modular circular connectors designed for demanding applications in railway technology, transport technology and other outdoor industrial applications. They enable the combined transmission of power, signals, Ethernet data, coaxial signals and fibre-optic connections within a single connector housing. Thanks to their modular design, different interfaces can be integrated into a single connector assembly in a space-saving manner, with clear positioning and in compliance with EMC requirements.

Gimota’s GM Modular connectors are designed for environments where there are high demands on vibration resistance, sealing, fire protection, temperature resistance and electromagnetic compatibility. Typical applications include rail vehicles, gangways, driver’s cabs, installations near bogies, the exterior of rail vehicles, and technical systems subject to high mechanical and climatic stresses. The connectors comply with relevant railway standards such as EN 45545-2 R22, R23 / HL1, HL2, HL3, protection ratings up to IP69 in accordance with DIN EN 60529, and the shock and vibration testing in accordance with EN 61373 Category 2.

A key feature of the Gimota GM connectors is the modular housing design with seven, four or one module chamber. The individual modules function as independent connectors within the connector assembly and can be mounted, terminated and shielded separately. This allows, for example, Ethernet CAT 7A, CAT 7, CAT 6A, CAT 6, CAT 5e, WTB, MVB, RS485, fibre-optic, RF coaxial contacts, power modules and multifunctional signal or power connections to be combined within a single connector.

Separate 360° EMC shielding is possible for each module chamber. The plug module and socket module each form a shielded unit, independent of the other modules. Depending on the application , the EMC connection can be made via shield crimping, an IRIS spring or a conical ring. In addition, spring contacts or grounding fingers support a circumferential shield connection. In this way, different shield potentials can be routed separately through a connector — an important consideration for complex bus networks, mixed signal types and EMC-critical installations.

The GM Modular connector housings feature a robust bayonet lock and are designed for fast, secure connections in demanding environments. For versions with seven or four module chambers, coding is available to clearly distinguish between multiple identically constructed connectors when mounted side by side. Special coding pins in the plug and socket housings allow for eight coding combinations. Numbered module chambers and guide grooves also aid the precise positioning of the modules and reduce the risk of incorrect assembly.

The individual GM modules cover a wide range of applications. For Ethernet, modules up to CAT 7A are available, in which the contacts are overmoulded in pairs and the wire pairs are shielded from one another to optimise impedance behaviour and crosstalk. For optical data transmission, modules for SC butt-joint contacts and expanded-beam lens modules are available. In addition, RF coax modules are available for Wi-Fi, GPS, GSM-R, WLAN and standard coaxial cables, as well as power and multifunction modules for voltages up to 500 V and currents up to 13 A. Unused module chambers can be sealed with dummy modules.

Thanks to their longitudinal sealing, high protection ratings and an operating temperature range of -60 °C to +125 °C, Gimota GM Modular connectors are also suitable for applications with increased requirements for pressure sealing, moisture resistance and service life. These include, amongst others, driver’s cabs with elevated internal pressure in high-speed trains, as well as outdoor applications where high-pressure cleaning, thermal shock, dust, water and severe vibrations may occur.