Torque tool company uses shielded M12 connectors
A Shenzhen torque tool company manufactures high-precision automatic screwdrivers for automotive and 3C industry bolt fastening. Each screwdriver spindle has a torque sensor monitoring tightening torque in real time. The analog torque signal is a low-level signal highly susceptible to EMI from motor drives. Their original approach used sensor cables with ferrite cores — the interference suppression was inadequate, with occasional signal spikes.
We recommended M12 A-coded 5-pin shielded connectors. The 360° continuous shielding provides far better EMI protection than ferrite cores. The 5-pin layout: torque+ / torque- / temp+ / temp- / shield ground. Threaded locking ensures continuous shield conductivity.
After switching to shielded M12, signal spike problems were essentially resolved — interference amplitude dropped from ±15mV to under ±2mV. Production line stoppages from false torque readings decreased significantly. The solution has been adopted across the customer's main product line.