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New Connectors Around the Market Described as Light Weight, Durable, and Water Resistant

November 16, 2019 by Robin Mitchell

Here are some connectors around the industry that can endure harsh environments, save PCB space, and withstand water exposure.

Designing a circuit can be a tough challenge; but while the core of a circuit can be tricky, choosing appropriate connectors can sometimes be an overlooked part of the process.

If your tried-and-true connectors aren't as effective for a certain application, here are a few recently released connectors that may help with your next design.

 

TE's 369 Shield Connector

The 369 Shield Connector is a multipole connector that is ideal for scenarios where ambient EMI needs to be protected from.

 

TE's 369 Shield Connector

TE's 369 Shield Connector. Image from TE Connectivity
 

The range of connectors come in 3, 6, and 9 pole configurations with the shielding providing greater than 60dB for low frequencies, greater than 30dB for high frequencies, and can withstand an indirect lightning strike of 3.6kA.

 

Construction

The lightweight connector body is made of a composite thermoplastic while the contacts are made using a copper alloy plated with gold. The shielding is plated nickel over copper and the whole design is RoHS compliant, making it applicable in the EU market.

 

Temperature Range and Applications

The wide temperature range of the connector (-55°C to +175°C) makes it ideal for a wide range of environments including aerospace, industrial, and military while being able to provide data transmission rates of up to 100Mbps.

 

HARWiN's "Smallest, Lightest Mixed-layout Connector" 

Many applications often require connectors that not only transmit data but also provide power. Connectors that use conductors of an equal size can often require the use of multiple connectors to distribute the current load. 

 

Gecko-MT 1.25mm pitch mixed-layout connectors

Gecko-MT 1.25mm pitch mixed-layout connectors. Image from HARWiN
 

This is where the Gecko-MT range of new connectors steps in. The Gecko-MT 1.25mm pitch mixed-layout connectors provide both contacts for mixed signals (analog and digital) while several larger connectors can be used for higher currents (up to 10A).

Initially, the range of Gecko-MT connectors are available in 1+8+1 and 2+8+2 connector arrangements (smaller numbers being the 10A power connectors), and all connectors are available in cable-to-board, board-to-board, and cable-to-cable configurations.

Furthermore, HARWiN claims that this connector is the "smallest, lightest mixed-layout connector" on the market. 

 

Construction

Stainless steel screws provide mechanical fixtures to ensure that connectors cannot separate and the gold-plated beryllium copper contacts ensure signal integrity, even under heavy vibration.

 

Temperature Range and Applications

The wide operating temperature range of -65°C to +150°C makes the Gecko-MT ideal for a wide range of applications including aviation, automotive, space, and defense.

 

GCT's Waterproof USB Micro B

Anyone who has dropped their phone into a toilet or bath can affirm the need for better water-resistant and waterproof products. The USB3500 USB Micro B connector is an IP67-rated connector that is both dust-tight and able to handle submersion to 1 meter of water. 

 

USB3500 USB Micro B connector

USB3500 USB Micro B connector. Image from GCT
 

Notably, it is the first connector launched from the aquanex range, which GCT defines as "the new IP67 waterproof connector range" that combines "high-performance electronic connectors with excellent IP rated sealing."

 

Construction

The connector is designed for USB2.0 and includes 5 contacts that are constructed with a gold-plated copper alloy. The entry type for the USB3500 is through the side and the connector includes a locating peg for ease of installation.

The electrical contacts for the connector are surface mounting, making it ideal for pick-and-place. 

 

Temperature Range and Applications

USB3500 also has an operating temperature range of -30°C to +85°C and is suited for any application that requires waterproof features. 

 

Feature image used courtesy of GCT.

 


 

What are your favorite connectors and why? Share your insights in the comments below.