Samtec’s Flex Circuit Jumpers for Mid-Speed Applications
June 2008—New standard flex data links (TCDL2 and FFDL2 Series) are available from Samtec. These Flex Circuit Data Links offer a choice of .050 (1.27mm) and 2mm pitch, single-ended or differential pair signal routing, and a variety of end assembly options.

The versatility of these flex circuits allows end solutions of sockets or terminals on both ends, or a socket terminal combination “transfer end” assembly. End assembly options include a low profile socket strip (CLT Series) or terminal strip (TMMH Series) for the 2mm (.0787”) pitch interface, and a low profile socket strip (CLP Series) or terminal strip (FTSH Series) for the (1.27mm) pitch interface.

System performance is estimated at 1.1 GHz at -3dB insertion loss depending on signal type. As with most Samtec interconnects, these Flex Data Links are RoHS compliant. Additionally, Samtec Flex Data Links are easily modified for custom pin counts, cable lengths, guide posts, or connector heights.

For more information, visit www.samtec.com.

Hypertronics’ High-Density, Low-Profile Mezzanine Connectors for High-Rel Applications
June 2008–Smiths Interconnect, part of the global technology company Smiths Group, announced that Hypertronics Corporation has introduced the KFT Connector Series, a 0.050 inch (1.27mm) fine pitch, high-density rectangular connector utilizing 0.40mm diameter Hyperboloid sockets. With a 0.343 inch (8.71mm) stacking height, this low profile, dual-row in-line interconnect solution is ideal for stacking, and can be used in areas where board real estate is at a premium.

KFT connectors, like all Hypertronics connectors, are engineered to allow for top performance under all dynamic environmental conditions. KFT connectors provide immunity to shock and vibration fretting, numerous linear paths of contact, and a self-wipe action that consistently results in better signal integrity. Designed with 30 percent glass-filled liquid crystal polymer (LCP) insulators and potted contacts, KFT connectors withstand the high temperatures associated with soldering. The LCP insulators also exceed NASA space requirements for outgassing, and have inherent keying features to prevent improper mating.

“We designed the KFT, using the high-performance Hypertac® technology, to be smaller in size and weight with the capacity for high pin count to accommodate tightly spaced board designs,” said Vadim Radunksy, Hypertronics’ president.

For more information, visit www.hypertronics.com or www.smiths.com.

Souriau Plane/Pylon/Mission Interface = Jettisonable 38999 Connector: 8D36
June 2008—8D36 is the first connector on the market that complies with the new standard MIL-DTL 38999/36. It is designed for use as an electric interface to transmit signals between planes and onboard weapons systems, such as missiles, observation pods, or smart bombs with GPS guidance systems. It features two major innovations—an ultra-reliable mechanical uncoupling system that provides new ejection performance levels, a fully modular design that enables almost immediate umbilical cord maintenance during operations, in addition to reconfiguration of the fixing interface on the pylon, depending on the type of weapons used.

The first innovation in the new 8D36 connectors is a patented release system based on a principle of mechanical flexibility, not friction. This design does away with all risks of catching the umbilical plug or pulling it away during ejection, problems that were often encountered during operations with other connectors existing on the market. Thanks to a design that is particularly well suited to the dynamic phenomena of jettisoning, the 8D36 can function at ejection speeds of over 10 meters per second while reaching new levels of angular performance at angles of incidence of up to 20°, compared with the vertical axis of the connector.

The 8D36 connectors are fully modular by design. This provides two advantages during operations. The mechanical part of the plug (the locking ring) can be changed individually in less than two minutes, using simple tools and leaving the harness in the pylon. This avoids having to replace the whole umbilical harness if the plug is damaged, e.g. following an impact against the pylon after ejection. Secondly, it also enables users to select a ring with a suitable length of retaining cord for the load installed onboard.

8D36 connectors also provide very high levels of resistance to vibrations due to a sturdy locking system on the missile interface, and a mechanism which holds the contacts in place with metal clips. They are tested on a vibrator in sinusoidal mode with accelerations at 60g for 36 hours, and in random mode with accelerations at 44g for 16 hours.

8D36 connectors comply with the electric standard MIL-STD-1760. They are designed for 500 coupling/release operations. They are available in cadmium or nickel.

For more information, visit www.souriau.com.

Tyco Electronics’ Z-PACK TinMan Products Expand with 6-Pair Module
June 2008—Tyco Electronics introduces the addition of the new 6-pair module to its Z-PACK TinMan backplane product portfolio. The new 6-pair module offers 80 differential pairs per inch, fitting within a 1.15” card slot pitch. This module is ideal for customers looking to implement an extremely high-density, cost-effective backplane interconnect system.

As with the entire Z-PACK TinMan product family, the 6-pair module provides 12+ Gb/s performance, a fully protected right-angle receptacle for use on daughtercards, and field repairability at the module or single pin levels. Additionally, low crosstalk and high throughput performance are achieved by positioning ground contacts within each column, along with unique contact lead frame placements. Samples are available upon request.

“Tyco Electronics continues to expand the breadth of the Z-PACK TinMan product line to support market and specific customer needs. The new 6-pair product will address the increased density and speed demands of our leading edge customers,” said Bob Hnatuck, Tyco Electronics’ product manager.

For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com/products/tinmanpr.

Molex Expands its BradConnectivity™ mPm® Valve Connectors
New product provides easy and economical electrical valve connectivity

June 2008—Molex Incorporated expands its range of BradConnectivity™ mPm® valve connectors with a new family of overmolded Junior Timer connectors in straight and 90-degree versions. These pre-wired overmolded connectors offer an economical alternative to hard wiring, and mate with industry standard Junior Timer connector interfaces on solenoids and other mobile hydraulics devices, and other harsh environment applications.

The Junior Timer connectors are also available with surge suppression circuitry that extends the life of the coil and control circuitry. LED indication is built into the connector head for easy identification of system status.

“In addition to being greener, our overmolded connectors with pre-wired cable (cordsets), increase performance and reduce cost compared with hard wiring,” said Antonio Cantoni, global product marketing manager, fluid power.

With an IP65 environmental rating, the Junior Timer provides protection in harsh and demanding environments. Plus the cable locking clip protects the connection in high vibration applications.

Junior Timer cordsets are 100 percent electrically tested for plug and play performance. The integrated surge suppression circuitry (VDR) protects the system and extends overall life.

To learn more about these and other Brad products, visit www.woodhead.com or www.molex.com

Yamaichi 2-in-1 Multi-card Connector for µSD and SIM
June 2008—Yamaichi Electronics offers a new multi-card or combination card connector. The FRS016T-2000-0 offers two slots offset by 90° and stacked in one casing for microSD flash memory cards, as well as SIM chip cards. The SIM card is operated manually, and the microSD card is operated via a convenient push/push mechanism.

The small form factor, with an installation height of 2.85mm, makes the card connector ideal for the tightest spaces in mobile phones and other end devices. This combination is frequently used for SIM module and microSD card applications. As an individual component for these two card types, the FRS016T-2000-0 meets the requirement the best way. At the same time, it reduces the development and space requirement for many designs.

Card slots, with a 90° offset stacked above each other, allow for a flexible design-in where the SIM card is inserted into the internal connector in the casing below the battery pack. The microSD card slot, however, is accessed on the casing exterior. This design complies with the input/output connector.

The electromechanical component, FRS016T-2000-0, is RoHS-compliant and is delivered as tape-on-reel for automated SMT assembly. It is mounted on the top side of the circuit board.

For more information, visit www.yamaichi.eu.

HARTING Field Termination Panel Feed-Through M12 for Individual Assembly
June 2008—The HARTING field termination panel feed-through M12 connector allows the user to choose between two different kinds of termination; the IDC-termination, by the use of HARAX^® contact blades, or the standard crimp termination are possible.

Special tools are not necessary when the newly developed HARAX^® product from HARTING has been chosen. A wide range of shielded cables fit the new design. D-coded versions for Ethernet applications are offered as well as A-coded panel feed-through connectors.

For more information, visit www.harting.com.

Weidmuller’s FieldPower Universal Solution for Decentralized Power Distribution
June 2008—With the growing need for efficiency and flexibility during machine design, Weidmuller introduces FieldPower—a universal decentralized power distribution system. FieldPower is designed for industrial machinery applications, primarily for conveyor and packaging equipment, where there is a need to distribute power over extensive distances via multiple power drops to peripheral equipment, such as motors, starters, and other electrical devices.

The FieldPower product offering consists of multiple all-in-one enclosed PowerBoxes (standard, XL, fuse, and on/off) that incorporate an innovative insulation displacement connection (IDC) system to quickly tap into uncut power cable and maintain an IP65 rating. FieldPower is designed to replace the traditional method of hard wiring utility distribution boxes for individual power drops. Each PowerBox can be mounted at any point on the machine with a continuous, uncut five-pole (max.) power cable placed inside. Flat or round (TC-ER-rated) cable types can be used together in a single PowerBox for added flexibility. FieldPower is unique in that no pre-packaged cable lengths with connectors are required. Simply order a roll of cable and cut to the required size. This enhances the flexibility of the system, resulting in dramatically shortened installation time and a direct cost savings.

The PowerBox plug-in connectors are equipped with Weidmuller’s reliable new “Push-In” termination technology. Twin connectors are also available to provide dual feeder circuit distribution. For example, one or two starters/frequency converters or other loads can be connected to the main contact blocks. In addition, a fuse option is available, with blown fuse indication to protect loads and outgoing feeder circuits. The PowerBox is rated at 600 volts, 30 amps, and 14-10 gauge.

For additional product information, go to www.Weidmuller.com.

ITT Develops High-Temp Connectors for Transportation Applications
May 2008—ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a series of high temperature connectors. Designated the CIR Series, ITT VEAM’s circular connectors meet European CEN/TS 45545 standards governing railway fire safety. The connectors are capable of withstanding a high temperature exposure period of at least 15 minutes at the ISO 834-1 heating curve, where maximum temperature is 800°C.

“The CIR Series connectors were developed specifically to address the concerns of passenger safety in European railway systems,” said Keith Teichmann, director of marketing for ITT Interconnect Solutions. “As a result of the high temperature capabilities and increased reliability, critical control signals remain viable and the connectors remain active while a train moves away from the site of an accident or fire, providing increased passenger safety in the event of an emergency.”

Typical applications for the VEAM CIR Series connectors include railway systems, transportation interconnects, and high temperature environments where signal integrity is critical.

Featuring a stainless steel shell and ceramic insulation, the VEAM CIR Series connectors are available with 35 size 12 poles at 40 amps. A silicon rubber grommet ensures sealing, while contacts with a metallic retention clip provide a high integrity contact that will not release under extreme shock and vibration conditions. ITT is also developing the CIR Series connectors with 40 size 16 poles rated at 36 amps and 4 size 16 poles.

For more information, visit www.ittcannon.com.

Phoenix Contact’s Push-Pull Plug Connectors Provide IP67 Protection
June 2008—The new VARIOSUB Push-Pull plug connector system from Phoenix Contact has a unique, user-friendly, plug-and-play positive locking system to provide IP67 protection. Designed for Industrial Ethernet and PROFINET applications, the connector family enables transmission of data and power signals directly to local devices.

The Push-Pull is available in three versions: RJ45 for copper data transmission; SCRJ for fiber-optics data transmission; and COMBICON device connection technology for power transmission.

The RJ45 and SCRJ contact inserts can be easily assembled in the field to ensure compatibility with control cabinet solutions. The universal system allows data transmission in copper or fiber optic-based technology for all fiber types, provided they have the same external dimensions. The new five-position power connector uses COMBICON device connection technology to power the device via two 24-volt circuits.

The connectors can be operated with one hand, simplifying network installation. All three of the connection types are available in metal and plastic.

For more information, visit www.phoenixcontact.com.