The M12 connector is a circular connector with a 12-mm locking thread. M12 connectors are designed for washdown and corrosive environments. They are available with 3, 4, 5, 8, and 12 pins. Most applications have a specific pin count. Sensors and power applications require 3 and 4 pins; PROFINET and ethernet require 4 and 8 pin counts; Fieldbus, CAN bus, and DeviceNet typically use 4 and 5 pin counts; and 12 pins are used for signal requirements. M12 connectors are found in many applications, including agriculture, alternative energy, communications, factory automation, measurement and control, robotics, and transportation.