Souriau miniature, high-density rectangular connectors save weight and space
As the demand for smaller and lighter product assemblies continues to drive miniaturisation of electronic system, the need to connect these assemblies requires connector manufacturers to develop miniature models which must occupy less space yet perform the same as their larger counterparts, observes Lane Electronics. The connector specialist is active in market sectors where this demand is particularly acute, with mil/aero and motorsport customers.
Lane Electronics has recently added miniature rectangular connectors from Eaton, which join the 8STA circular connector ranges. Target applications are all areas of motorsport and mil/aero.
As well as size, weight and density, key features of Eaton’s Souriau microComp connectors include high vibration and voltage withstanding, easy installation, a high Ethernet performance, removable #26 crimp contacts, a wide operating temperature range and a lifetime that includes 500 mating cycles.
These characteristics make them suitable for radar, missiles and weapon systems, in-flight entertainment systems, displays, infra red cameras, battery management systems, satellite equipment, engine control units, flight test equipment, data acquisition systems as well as cockpit equipment and avionics for satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), civilian and military aircraft.
The microComp’s very short contacts make them particularly well-suited for applications which demand high Ethernet performance. The connectors are fully Ethernet 100 base T compatible, allowing up to four Ethernet links in a 25-way connector and fully Ethernet 1000 base T compatible allowing up to two Ethernet links in the same configuration.
microComp shells are available in aluminium and a composite material. The composite shells are formed from a strengthened fibreglass material for maximum mechanical resistance, says Lane, and are up to 36 per cent lighter than aluminium shells.
The RoHS-compliant nickel over composite plating process used on the microComp has been qualified on Eaton’s Souriau MIL-DTL-38999 product range and provides optimised shielding while providing an outstanding 2,000 hours salt spray corrosion resistance.
The microComp’s male contacts are fully shrouded by the insulator which means they are protected and cannot be damaged. Optional sealing may be specified, provided by rear sealing grommets and interfacial seals for when the connectors are mated together. Hermetic versions with stainless steel shells provide additional sealing performance where sealing is required un-mated.
The different shell sizes available provide a choice of contact arrangement from seven ways across two rows up to 104 ways across five rows, with a universal 2mm contact pitch across all sizes. The removable gold-plated crimp contacts are suitable for AWG 24 to 28 wires. Straight and angled PCB contacts can also be specified. The microComp contact form complies with ESCC Space standard ESCC 3401/083 for high electrical and mechanical performance, ensuring reliability and performance in demanding environments with high levels of shock and vibration.
Removable contacts mean that, unlike pre-wired micro-D connector systems, microComp lets users make changes to the harness configuration during development or as required during the lifetime of the project.
Accessories available include straight and angled EMC backshells, locking jackscrews and posts, PCB mounting hardware and protective anti-static dust caps.