Electronic Connectors

Binding posts

Binding posts are available in a variety of colors to ensure easy circuit and polarity identification. All current-carrying parts are gold-plated, finely machined brass and provide maximum conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Miniature fluted nut types are rated for 15 A, 1000 V working, while standard hex- nut and fluted-nut types are rated for 30 A, 1000 V working. Hex- and fluted-nut types with larger studs are also available. Plastic parts are selected for good resistance to corrosive atmospheres, heat, oil or grease, abrasion and impact, and chipping and cracking. Warner Electric, 383 Middle St., Bristol, CT 06010.

Connector junction boxes and wiring system

A connector junction box and a wiring system reduces mounting requirements and wiring costs. The four- and eight-port junction boxes use 8-mm Pico connectors to achieve significant miniaturization benefits. According to the manufacturer, the boxes are the smallest available in the market. Light weight makes them beneficial in robotic applications. A connector ratchet locknut ensures good shock and vibration protection. Lumberg Inc., 14121 Justice Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113.

Power-entry module

A power-entry module incorporates up to six different functions in a package designed to save space, speed assembly, lower parts counts, and facilitate EMC testing and compliance. The GRM-series module features a square configuration, and it is only 26 mm deep. Features include ac inlet, on/off switch, RFI filter, and fuse holder. A metal shield between the inlet and the panel opening provides protection against radiated emissions. Flexible steel contact points make continuous contact with the chassis to reinforce the ground connection. Continuity in the path ensures that damaging EMI is properly routed and does not pass through the equipment. Schurter Inc., P.O. Box 750158, Petaluma, CA 94975-0158.

Nonmetallic shell connectors

Designed for medical applications requiring nonconductive components, lightweight connectors with nonmetallic shells are offered in three keying configurations that are mainly designed for durability. Multiple keying options are available to prevent accidental cross mating of otherwise identical connectors. The shells, molded from PEEK, can accommodate up to seven contacts. PEEK can withstand temperatures of –60° to 230°C and is highly resistant to chemicals. Lemo USA, P.O. Box 11488, Santa Rosa, CA 95406.

Connectors with lightweight shells

A series of 0.025-in.-centerline connectors are available with optional lightweight metal shells for increased durability and mechanical integrity. The new metal shells, which house the traditional plastic connector, offer greater design flexibility and mounting options. The Nano series of ultrahigh-density connectors are available in single- and dual-row packages, and as surface mount, through-hole, and wire-to-wire terminations. Omnetics Connector Corp., 7260 Commerce Cir. E., Minneapolis, MN 55432-3103.

PCB terminal blocks

Pluggable PCB terminal blocks use insulation-displacement connection technology to achieve a fast connection. With the QUiX-Combicon terminal blocks, no wire preparation is required. The wire is simply inserted, and thus wiring time is reduced by 60%, the manufacturer says. Using a 5.08-mm pin spacing, the terminal blocks mate with all industry-standard 0.200-in. PCB-mount headers. The terminal blocks are available with 2 to 16 positions. An additional option includes a screw flange for additional security to the mating header. Phoenix Contact Inc., P.O. Box 4100, Harrisburg, PA 17111-0100.

Coaxial contacts

Low-insertion-force coaxial contacts provide more than 25,000 insertion/extraction cycles. The 50- contacts are rated at 1.20:1 maximum VSWR at 3 GHz. Its low insertion force and long-life performance make this contact system suitable for high-pin-count assemblies as well as portable computers, test equipment, and wireless applications. Hypertronics Corp., 16 Brent Dr., Hudson, MA 01749-2904.

Connector for surface-mount applications

Wire-to-board, disconnectable IDC connectors have a pitch of just 1.0 mm and are only 2.0 mm high and 4.5 mm thick. The IDC section that connects to each wire has dual U-slots to provide redundancy for reliable connections even under adverse environmental and mechanical stresses. A three-point insulation grip provides strain relief for further interconnection integrity. The header is designed for vacuum pick-and-place robotics. J.S.T. Corp., 1957 S. Lakeside Dr., Waukegan, IL 60085.

Cord sets

Class I molded C19 cord sets and power cords supply up to 20 A to power system equipment. The cord sets are available in seven colors and can be configured in three angles—straight, left, and right. They can be molded onto nonshielded SJT, STO, and SEOW, 14/3 and 12/3 AWG cable. Small or large NEMA 5-15 plugs terminate the cord sets, but other plug configurations are also available. Panel Components Corp., P.O. Box 115, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.

Interconnect systems

A manufacturer of high-speed, high-density interconnect systems has expanded its range of products designed for use in medical devices. Such products include miniature thermistor and welded thermocouple assemblies, as well as termination to flex circuits, microribbon, and coaxial cables. The company also produces high-density 1-mm connector systems and assemblies and a variety of custom interconnects. InterCon Systems Inc., 2800 Commerce Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9310.

Forty-pole connectors

Forty-pole metal- and plastic-shell connectors intermate to provide design flexibility. The metal-shell 105-series and the plastic-shell 405-series connectors are available with up to 40 gold-plated contacts in 18-mm-diam bodies. They are designed and manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 standards. Sealed connectors are rated up to IP68. The connectors are supplied with integral shielding for EMI/RFI-sensitive applications, and they meet EMC 92, which helps OEMs conform to worldwide electromagnetic compatibility standards. Fischer Connectors Inc., 115 Perimeter Court Pl., Ste. 1060, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Custom connectors

Custom-molded connectors are available for the device and hearing-aid industries. The manufacturer's capabilities include custom keying, miniaturization, modular tooling, no-touch safety connectors, shrouded connectors, and radiotranslucent carbon contacts. A variety of molding materials is available. The manufacturer's in-house design, extrusion, tooling, molding, and terminating capabilities allow it to produce cable connector assemblies to exacting customer specifications. Minnesota Wire & Cable, 1835 Energy Park Dr., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Push-pull connectors

A series of miniature cylindrical connectors features precision push-pull locking. Shells are matt chromated and available in various sizes. The inserts are made of various materials including PEEK, LCP, PBT, and Teflon. Steam autoclaving is possible with connectors having PEEK or LCP inserts. A broad range of contract arrangements is available. Contacts include signal, power, coax, fiber optic, and air and fluid coupling. ODU-USA Inc., 451 Constitution Ave., Unit A, Camarillo, CA 93012.

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