Harwin offers Kona connector with 360 degree EMC backshell
Harwin’s high power connector series, Kona, is now available with backshells. Made from an aerospace-grade aluminium 6061 alloy, the backshells prevent EMI leaking from the connector/cable assembly into the surrounding system.
The compact Kona connectors are capable of carrying currents (up to 60A per contact). The 8.5mm pitch Kona connectors are available in two, three and four contact versions.
The high-rel connectors are used in mission-critical applications including space, electric vehicles (EVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics.
The Kona backshells are a two-part construction which enables engineers to upgrade existing cable assemblies with 360 degrees EMC shielding. This capability is particularly beneficial if an EMI issue occurs late in the development process, said Harwin, or when equipment already deployed in the field undergoes a retrofit only to reveal new EMI concerns. Board and panel mount connector options are also available to offer complete shielding.
“In situations where power connectors are situated near a DC/DC converter, such as in EV charging infrastructure for instance, the high currents being transported can cause distortion waves that will place stress on the converter,” explained Ryan Smart, vice president of product at Harwin. The easy to assemble backshell shielding option addresses these problems, he said.
The Kona backshells are robust and designed to ensure long-term reliability in harsh environments, said Harwin. Installation requires no special tools and additional strain relief on the braided cable helps eliminate the risk of damage to the assembly once installed and in operation. The backshells also come nickel-plated for extra protection against corrosion and oxidisation in the field.
For over 70 years, Harwin has supplied engineers with the connectors to meet demanding specifications. Its interconnect portfolio is designed for high-performance applications in the harshest operating environments or within the tightest of spaces.
Today, Harwin products are found in a range of markets and applications, including space, avionics, defence, robotics, oil/gas, healthcare, motorsport, industrial drives, factory automation systems, autonomous vehicles, smart agriculture and electric vehicle battery management.
Engineered and manufactured at Harwin’s production facilities in Portsmouth, England, the connectors and board-level hardware and accessories (EMI/RFI shielding cans and a comprehensive range of board-level hardware, including spacers, spring contacts, cable clips and jumper links) are available from a network of distributors and local specialist partners supported by Harwin’s worldwide aftersales team.
