Five-pole circular connector meets demanding defence applications
The HBB circular connector series is now available in the five-pole version; in joins the company’s single-pole model.
The five-pole configuration consists of the existing size 21 shell and contains five poles, each with size eight contacts as well as two interlock pins.
This means that five power lines can be run in a very tight space, increasing design flexibility and offering the ability to run redundant lines as required.
When compared to traditional 38999 screw thread connectors, the HBB series offers a number of additional advantages, said Smiths Interconnect. The first is with regard to the latching mechanism. A traditional 38999 connector features a threaded lock, but the HBB has a quick latch mechanism. In addition to ease of use, this latching feature also provides additional security whilst allowing the end user to group the connectors far closer than other alternatives on the market, Smiths explained. In the HBB design, the connector latches by pushing the plug until the user hears a click; combined with tactile and visual feedback, this gives confirmation that the plug is locked.
Another benefit of the HBB series is that it’s contacts feature the Hypertac Hyperboloid technology. The Hypertac contacts have low insertion and extraction forces, are easy to mate and demate and provide very low contact resistance, confirmed Smiths Interconnect.
The five-pole version also has higher safety protection than the single pole model. It includes a “last mate first break” safety interlock system enabling automatic power shut-off when connectors are unmated.
The ability to handle five different lines means the five-pole HBB is suitable for combat vehicles both ground and air because it can carry power to various different areas on the vehicle.
“We’re starting to see more hybrid fighting vehicles, and soon we will see all-electric,” explains Mark Kelleher, vice president and general manager of the connector business unit at Smiths Interconnect, “these connectors will be needed for all the ancillary equipment as well as the drive train itself.”
The HBB five-pole is also suitable defence applications such as missile launcher platforms and ground radar installations, where the requirements for robust high-power interconnectivity are growing, noted Smith Interconnect.
Smiths Interconnect provides electronic components, subsystems, microwave, optical and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defence, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, and industrial market segments.
Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths Group has been improving the world through smarter engineering, said the company. It serves four major markets: energy, general industry, security and defence and aerospace.
