New Industry Products

Low-Profile Connectors handle More Current deliver More Flexibility

April 16, 2014 by Jeff Shepard

Molex Incorporated has expanded its EXTreme Ten60Power™ High-Current Connector line of products with the introduction of the EXTreme Ten60 Split Blade contact system, allowing the company to meet an even wider range of power and signal requirements for data communications, telecommunications, and power supply customers requiring high current density and low power loss. The split blade power modules are part of a robust portfolio of modular, custom configurable, high-current hybrid power and signal connectors that achieve up to 260.0A per linear inch in a low-profile (10.00mm) housing design that enhances system airflow.

“As computing power demands increase there’s more pressure on hardware and power supply manufacturers to custom tailor their power connectors, providing more amps in less space without drastically increasing the cost,” said Jeff Torres, global product manager, Molex. “Solving this power equation with maximum design flexibility has been a major focus for the Molex product development teams. By continuing to grow the EXTreme Ten60Power family of connectors, we have solidified our leadership position in providing the largest breadth of modular solutions on the market today that deliver high current and signal density in the smallest overall package.”

“The new EXTreme Ten60Power split blade power module separates the two halves of the standard EXTreme Ten60Power power terminal with dielectric plastic positioned in between. Each split blade terminal carries a 30.0A current rating at 30 degrees C T-rise. By splitting the blades and shortening the distance between energized power contacts, the split blade module delivers faster response times, lower overall impedance, and greater capacitance benefits while also providing greater granularity if the customer does not need the full 60.0A current rating of the standard Ten60 power contact for all domains. The modular design allows the split blade modules to be easily integrated into hybrid EXTreme Ten60Power assemblies along with standard power modules and high-density signal (HDS) modules to meet specific customer requirements.”

Extreme Ten60Power connectors are available in one through nine circuit split blade power modules, one through 10 circuit standard power blade modules, and six through 60 circuit signal modules. All of the modules can be configured to accommodate virtually any design application with no tooling costs or additional lead-time. The high-current contact blades in DC (5.50mm) and AC (7.50mm) spacing options provide even greater design flexibility. Power blades are available in right angle and vertical orientations to accommodate either coplanar or perpendicular applications.

Both the plug and receptacle utilize reliable, proven Molex power and signal contact designs and feature last-mate/first-break (LMFB) or first-mate/last-break (FMLB) capability. The original 3-row signal module comes in 2.54 by 2.54mm pitch signal spacing while the high-density, 5-row signal module (HDS) is available in a 2.00 by 1.65mm pitch for use in space constrained areas.