Tooling allows high density 8STA connectors to be custom designed
Custom designed 8STA connectors can be built and delivered in days, says Lane Electronics.
Following a significant investment in tooling and inventory, the company will ensure that customers for Souriau’s 8STA High Density (HD) series of circular connectors will not have to wait more than a few days for prototypes and small quantities. This is an important development, says Lane, since these connectors are mainly used throughout the demanding motorsport sector where, not surprisingly, availability and speed of delivery is of the essence.
According to Peter Costin, who runs Lane’s Motorsport Division, when the new tools come online, they will allow Lane to become an extension of Souriau’s manufacturing capability for customers in the motorsport world. In addition, increased component inventory levels mean lead times can be measured in days. Lane also has a no minimum order quantities policy.
These connectors are used in many areas including engine control units, communications equipment, data acquisition systems and harnesses. The high density 8STA connectors are also specified in any application where high performance, small size and lightweight are key factors.
Souriau’s 8STA HD connectors are derived from the military specifications MIL-DTL-38999 and JN1003 and feature a rugged aluminium body plated as standard with conductive black zinc. They are among the lightest circular connector of their type currently available, claims Lane, and the high density capability provides up to 68 size 26 contacts using 24 to 30 AWG wire. This usually allows a smaller shell size to be used for the same application, saving space and weight.
Six shell sizes in seven layouts are available, ranging from size 02 to 14. Contacts are gold plated copper alloy with a liquid silicone rubber insulator and seal. The size 26 contacts are rated at 3A.
The Souriau 8STA HD connector is scoop proof and incorporates a positive locking mechanism with locked colour indicators. They can handle 500 mating cycles, 300g shock for 3ms and vibration levels to 147m/s2, 10 to 2000Hz.
Operating temperature is -55 to +175 degree C and, when mated, the connector meets the requirements of IP67 and can withstand salt spray and other motorsport fluids.
