Side by side

M12 D-coded versus X-coded Ethernet

Which M12 coding and position pattern is documented for the Ethernet port?

Computer-generated illustration, not a photograph. — P233 · ConnectorM12 D-coded Ethernet connector

How they differ

M12 D-coded Ethernet connector Read the coding and compare the internal key/position pattern instead of relying on the M12 threaded shell alone.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connector Verify the X coding and 8-position pattern in the exact product documentation.

Then askWhich M12 coding and position pattern is documented for the Ethernet port?

At a glance

Source-scoped form facts; counts, variants and unknowns are distinct
Field	M12 D-coded Ethernet connector	M12 X-coded Ethernet connector
Type	Connector	Connector
Family	Network	Network
Shape	round	round
Nominal contacts	4S237Source-backed nominal position count: 4.	8S238Source-backed nominal position count: 8.
Positions / cavity span	4 (Claim C233A); 4 (Claim C233B); 4 (Claim C233C); 4 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S237 · S256 · S500 · S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.	8 (Claim C234A); 8 (Claim C234B); 8 (Claim C234C); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S238 · S256 · S501 · S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector role	Straight M12 cable plug; other assembly end is RJ45 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.	Straight M12 cable plug (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); Straight M12 cable socket (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Key distinction	An M12 shell does not identify the coding; D-coded and X-coded Ethernet interfaces are different keyed forms.	M12 X-coded and D-coded forms differ in coding and position layout even though both use an M12 shell.

Full evidence ledger and sources ↓

Illustrations are computer-generated with prior AI visual review; independent technical and rights review pending. A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

This comparison stays within one evidence layer.

All selected records are Connector records. Similar layer does not mean compatible, interchangeable or safe to mate.

Families represented: Network

Network comparison / concept only

D and X: identify the assembly.

Two documented examples, not a universal link-speed rule.

M12 D-coded →M12 X-coded →

Not a general compatibility verdict. S500 · S501

The reference ledger

Read the same question across.

2 selected records · 13 fields
No score. No compatibility verdict.

On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways or open the field-by-field reading view below. Illustrations are not a size comparison.

Comparison of selected field notes; source links accompany each documented specification
What you are comparing	P233 / ConnectorM12 D-coded Ethernet connector Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending	P234 / ConnectorM12 X-coded Ethernet connector Identification schematic · not to scale · drawing review pending
Layer	Connector	Connector
Key distinction	An M12 shell does not identify the coding; D-coded and X-coded Ethernet interfaces are different keyed forms.	M12 X-coded and D-coded forms differ in coding and position layout even though both use an M12 shell.
Nominal contacts	4S237Source-backed nominal position count: 4.	8S238Source-backed nominal position count: 8.
Positions / cavity span	4 (Claim C233A); 4 (Claim C233B); 4 (Claim C233C); 4 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S237 · S256 · S500 · S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.	8 (Claim C234A); 8 (Claim C234B); 8 (Claim C234C); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S238 · S256 · S501 · S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Populated contacts	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact rows	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Contact pitch	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Dimensions / axis	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Connector role	Straight M12 cable plug; other assembly end is RJ45 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.	Straight M12 cable plug (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); Straight M12 cable socket (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Coupling / latch	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.	Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
Keying / polarization	D coding (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.	X coding (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); X coding (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
Documented identification	M12 D-coded Ethernet connector; 4 positions in the documented product.C233A	M12 X-coded Ethernet connector; 8 positions in the documented product.C234A
Evidence	C233A,C233C,C233D → Independent review pending	C234A,C234C,C234D → Independent review pending

Read field by field — no sideways scrolling

The same selected records, fields, values and source links as the table. Missing fields remain non-equivalent; no values are merged.

Layer

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Connector
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Connector

Key distinction

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: An M12 shell does not identify the coding; D-coded and X-coded Ethernet interfaces are different keyed forms.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: M12 X-coded and D-coded forms differ in coding and position layout even though both use an M12 shell.

Nominal contacts

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: 4S237Source-backed nominal position count: 4.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: 8S238Source-backed nominal position count: 8.

Positions / cavity span

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: 4 (Claim C233A); 4 (Claim C233B); 4 (Claim C233C); 4 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S237 · S256 · S500 · S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: 8 (Claim C234A); 8 (Claim C234B); 8 (Claim C234C); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); 8 (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S238 · S256 · S501 · S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof. V40 engineering-reference fact only; independent human review remains pending. This claim does not approve fabrication, rewiring, substitution, electrical safety, protocol support or end-to-end compatibility. V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.

Populated contacts

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact rows

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Contact pitch

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Dimensions / axis

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Connector role

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Straight M12 cable plug; other assembly end is RJ45 (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Straight M12 cable plug (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); Straight M12 cable socket (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.

Coupling / latch

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: Not recordedNot recorded in a normalized source-scoped field. Consult the exact part/revision; no value inferred from illustrations.

Keying / polarization

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: D coding (Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end))S500Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1561797 / connection 1 (M12 end). Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: X coding (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1); X coding (Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2)S501Source-scoped examples are separate; select the exact variant and measured axis. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 1. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use. Phoenix Contact 1851772 / connection 2. Named primary-source example only. Identification facts do not certify mating, electrical compatibility, fabrication or powered use.

Documented identification

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: M12 D-coded Ethernet connector; 4 positions in the documented product.C233A
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: M12 X-coded Ethernet connector; 8 positions in the documented product.C234A

Evidence

M12 D-coded Ethernet connectorP233 / Connector: C233A,C233C,C233D →
Independent review pending
M12 X-coded Ethernet connectorP234 / Connector: C234A,C234C,C234D →
Independent review pending

Your next step

Use the distinction in context.

Open the field notes Read source-linked facts and limitations.Compare another pair Start from a common confusion.Check a connection A comparison is not a compatibility verdict.

Continue the distinction

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Browse every comparison →

M12 D-, X- and Y-coded data/hybrid formsDoes the exact interface require D-coded, X-coded or Y-coded M12 rather than merely an M12 shell? Connector identity and manufacturer ratings are only reference layers; exact circuit, wiring, installation and equipment requirements still need qualified documentation.M8 D-coded versus M12 D-codedIs the D-coded industrial Ethernet connector M8 or M12? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.etherCON versus ordinary 8P8C modularIs the interface a ruggedized locking etherCON system or a conventional 8P8C modular port? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.M12 A-coded versus B-coded versus L-codedWhich M12 coding and intended domain does the equipment documentation specify? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.M8 A-coded versus D-codedWhich M8 coding is documented: A-coded signal/sensor or D-coded data? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.M8, M12 and M23 circular familiesWhich circular shell family and coding does the exact equipment specify? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.

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Evidence behind this page

Scope first. Source second. Approval separate.

7 linked sources · 6 scoped claims · 0 sources with inspection/access flags.

Page scope: Evidence behind the compared records; the editorial comparison still needs separate review.

Assessment 2026-10-22 · earliest scheduled source review 2027-01-03. This is a recorded-date assessment, not a live source check. Page-level independent review is not established by this panel.

Inspect 7 source scopes, access limits and dates

S237 · M12 D-coded Ethernet cable product

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-05 · due 2027-01-03

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Documents an M12 D-coded Ethernet plug with 4 positions and IEC 61076-2-101 designation.

Not established / limitations: Identification/reference scope only. V39 does not convert this source into a universal pinout, fabrication drawing, electrical approval, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility verdict.

Locator: M12 connection fields and standards

S238 · M12 X-coded Ethernet cable product

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-05 · due 2027-01-03

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Documents an M12 X-coded Ethernet plug with 8 positions and Ethernet signaling context.

Locator: M12 connection fields and standards

S500 · Phoenix Contact 1561797 — end-specific network and protection scope

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named 1561797 M12 D-coded to RJ45 cable only; separate end ratings must not be projected onto the complete installation.

Not established / limitations: Named 1561797 M12 D-coded to RJ45 cable only; separate end ratings must not be projected onto the complete installation. No raw HTML or manufacturer image archive is represented as retained.

Locator: Product description; Interfaces; Connector / Connection 1 and Connection 2; linked product photograph 244868 and male-side drawing 144634

S501 · Phoenix Contact 1851772 — X-coded cable example

Phoenix Contact · Manufacturer / product-owner domain · inspected 2026-10-11 · due 2027-01-09

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Named 1851772 eight-position M12 X-coded cable; component rating is not host, network or PoE approval.

Not established / limitations: Named 1851772 eight-position M12 X-coded cable; component rating is not host, network or PoE approval. No raw HTML or manufacturer image archive is represented as retained.

Locator: Product description; Connector / male and female ends; photograph 1232024 and male-side drawing 149068

S647 · HARTING circular connector coding and application distinctions

HARTING Technology Group · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13

Within inspection window

Scoped support: Manufacturer-authored class-level application/coding comparisons; not exact mating, terminal assignments or power ratings for arbitrary parts

Not established / limitations: Visible manufacturer facts are source-scoped and may change; confirm the exact component/revision and documented applicability; no independent technical certification is claimed.

Locator: Circular coding: A-coded, D-coded, K-coded, S-coded, X-coded, Y-coded sections

S648 · HARTING M12 D-coded 100 Mbps cable assembly, article 21 34 939 3477 010

HARTING Technology Group · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13

Within inspection window

Scoped support: One named one-meter female-to-female cable assembly; no proof of host support or other cable assemblies

Locator: Product details: identification/version; 4-core D coding; 10/100 Mbps technical characteristics

S649 · HARTING M12 X-coded 8-contact cable connector, article 21 03 881 3805

HARTING Technology Group · Unclassified publisher domain · inspected 2026-10-15 · due 2027-01-13

Within inspection window

Scoped support: One specific cable connector product, not a guarantee of overall network speed or inter-brand mating

Locator: Version: 8 contacts, X-coding; details and supported Ethernet data-rate listing

Trace 6 claims to their source records

C233A · P233

Phoenix Contact documents an M12 D-coded Ethernet plug with 4 positions and IEC 61076-2-101 designation.

Claim scope: V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S237 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C233C · P233

Phoenix Contact identifies cable 1561797 as a four-position D-coded M12 to RJ45 Ethernet assembly and lists a 100 Mbps transmission speed. This is a named cable specification, not a verdict for all D-coded ports.

Claim scope: V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee.

Source links: S500 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C233D · P233

HARTING describes D coding as a keyed industrial Ethernet form, distinct from X coding. Its named M12 D-coded four-core cable assembly is listed for 10/100 Mbit/s use; this is not the rating of every M12 device.

Claim scope: V178 Coding-class distinction plus named D cable; not universal host/link-speed guarantee. Original bounded manufacturer paraphrase; publication and technical review pending.

Source links: S647 · S648 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C234A · P234

Phoenix Contact documents an M12 X-coded Ethernet plug with 8 positions in an Ethernet application.

Claim scope: V39 catalogue-expansion identification fact only; not independent technical approval, fabrication data, wiring instruction, protocol guarantee or end-to-end compatibility proof.

Source links: S238 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C234C · P234

Phoenix Contact cable 1851772 has an eight-position M12 X-coded male end and X-coded female end, with Ethernet CAT6A / 10 Gbps listed for the named assembly. Host interoperability and power delivery are not established by that cable listing.

Claim scope: V121 named-product or explicitly scoped manufacturer distinction only; no wiring instruction, independent engineering approval or end-to-end compatibility guarantee.

Source links: S501 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

C234D · P234

HARTING lists an eight-contact X-coded M12 cable connector for industrial Ethernet up to 10 Gbit/s. This is an exact product capability listing and does not ensure a 10 Gbit/s end-to-end network.

Claim scope: V178 Exact HARTING connector plus class-level X-coding distinction; no generic performance or mating certification. Original bounded manufacturer paraphrase; publication and technical review pending.

Source links: S647 · S649 · Evidence trail → (private workspace)

Prepare this page for review →Read the evidence method →

Recorded evidence only. An inspection date, publisher label, source link or generated packet is not independent technical review, hardware testing, fabrication approval or a compatibility verdict.