This part of IEC 60603-7 covers 8-way unshielded free and fixed connectors, it is intended to specify the common dimensions, mechanical, electrical and environmental characteristics and tests for the family of IEC 60603-7-x connectors.

These connectors are intermateable (according to IEC 61076-1 level 2) and interoperable with other IEC 60603-7 series connectors.

This standard covers shielded and unshielded free and fixed connector, circular or rectangular, for balanced single-pair data transmission, with current-carrying capacity.

It specifies the IEC 63171 standard series common dimensions, mechanical, electrical and transmission characteristics and environmental requirements as well as required test specifications.

Within their own type, the shielded and unshielded connector are interoperable for their internal transmission performance and can be exchanged; the shielded version has improved EMC and coupling properties.