Mixed Signal Power Micro-Ds reduce Size and Weight
Designers are finding that connecting both signal and power systems into and out of their equipment is taking a large portion of their size and weight allowance. Smaller cabling and connectors are now being offered that solve that problem. Omnetics Connector Corp. has seen a rise in the use of combined power and signal being routed to and from instruments within one cable. The company's new mixed-pin design connectors are able to handle a combination of higher power supply voltages and currents but also include much smaller pins, sockets and wiring for the remaining signals. Cabling is available that can offer combinations of wire sizes, group shielding and drain wires that may be needed.
As higher speed electronics begin to dominate the design world, we see surveillance systems, probes, detectors and new Ethernet systems demanding a combination of power and higher speed differential signal processing in one interconnection unit. Unmanned vehicles often require assembly and disassembly in the field for transfer. Using only one ruggedized Micro-d connector offers quick and easy assembly.
Down-hole electronics need only one power source and a number of signal processing systems. The Micro-d hybrid circuit easily fits down inside the drilling system and provides the ruggedized high temperature performance needed. Robotics systems have motors out at the end-of-arm systems that need power and use tactile sensors to operate correctly. The multiple-signal, one-connector system solves both size and weight problems.
Omnetics Micro-D shells offer a standard format the designer is familiar with and achieves the rugged miniaturization needs of this new era. Omnetics' hybrid connector combination eliminates a need for two connectors and offers both higher speed digital and power within one plug-in unit. The power contacts can handle size 20 to 24 AWG wire and is suitable for 7 Amps plus, while signal contacts can handle up to 3 Amps. Shell size is adjustable to pin count and board termination formats include right-angle and straight thru-hole mounting. Differential signal pairs will need high speed cabling that can also be accommodated.
Omnetics uses military test certified components on Micro-D connectors that have been QPL qualified at Mil-DTL-83513, the reliability and quality is assured. The wired power contact is an insertable/removable type contact which can be optionally supplied for customer termination, if needed. Connector shells can be of the standard jack-screw mating style or use the new Latching Micro-D style. Both latching systems exceed military locking tests.
