Originally Published May/June 2000
Spotlight on Cables and Connectors
Mixed-layout connectors
Mixed-layout interconnects offer designers board-to-board, board-to-wire, and wire-to-wire connections in a choice of low- or high-frequency, high-power, and fibre-optic configurations. The CCM 220 systems feature a 2-mm pitch and an integrated jacking mechanism. Terminations are suited for through-board solder, surface-mount, and press-fit attachment. For low-frequency configurations only, the company also supplies the CMM 100 and 200 systems with the same reliable contact, making them suitable for applications with high levels of vibration. Nicomatic, Bons en Chablais, France.
High-voltage cables
A company with more than 50 years' experience producing x-ray tubes in nominal voltages ranging from 50,000 to 450,000 V recently launched a low-noise 75-kV cable. Features include an electromagnetic screen, welded connectors, and removable flanges to facilitate insertion into conduits. The connections are stable at temperatures exceeding 100°C. A more economical version without the screen is available. The firm also routinely supplies custom cable designs and lengths. Comet AG, Bern-Liebefeld, Switzerland.
Push-pull connectors
Connectors with a push-and-pull locking mechanism are available in six sizes and with a variety of contacts including coaxial and high-voltage inserts. Easy to mate, the Mini-Snap connectors withstand commonly used sterilization methods and are compatible with other push-and-pull–type connectors on the market. Typical applications include patient monitoring systems, endoscopes, and related devices. The company also offers Type L modular attachable connectors for use in medical equipment. These interconnects with extended guide pins come in signal, power, high-frequency, fibre-optic, and pneumatic versions and withstand more than 100,000 mating cycles. ODU-Steckverbindungssysteme GmbH & Co. KG, Mühldorf am Inn, Germany.
Medical cables
Cables are designed to withstand a variety of sterilization and cleaning procedures. Jacketing materials can be selected from a variety of US FDA–approved compounds or can be formulated from chemically inert fluorocarbon polymers. Cable assemblies with securely moulded sensors on one end and connectors on the other allow for numerous trouble-free sterilization cycles. Tinsel conductors, flexible shields, semiconductive polymers, and low-density plastic foams can be specified. Custom cables can be produced in quantities starting at 100 m and can be supplied in 3 to 6 weeks. Elocab Sonderkabel GmbH & Co. KG, Georgensmünd, Germany.
Miniature connectors
Miniature electronic connectors operate on a 0.025-in. pitch and conform to MIL-PRF-83513. The components comprise a dual-row insulator moulded in polyphenylene sulfide and single-row connectors moulded in a liquid-crystal polymer. The male contacts are stamped from beryllium copper and mate with screw-machined sockets derived from a brass alloy. Both are rated at 1 A and will accommodate up to 34 AWG wire. Omnetics Connector Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Leak-test connector
Suited for sealing and pressure testing applications, a leak-test connector is fitted with a lever-action handle that requires no adjustment. Users simply depress the handle, insert the collets into any smooth port, and release the handle. When the lever is released, the main seal in the control port expands to a test vacuum of 10 mTorr and pressure up to 70 bar. When used for bubble, pressure-decay, and mass spectrometry testing, the JNL connector can increase productivity by preventing leakage that could result in quality control failures. Weh GmbH, Illertissen, Germany.
Flexible interconnects
Flexible interconnection devices are designed for board-to-board, board-to-display, board-to-connector, board-to-sensor, and related applications. The Flexible Jumpers can be custom fitted for specific I/O space configurations and can be manufactured to achieve pitches down to 0.010 in. Round, stranded, or flat 20 to 40 AWG material can be used as a conductor; the dielectric material is polyimide H film. No artwork or special tooling is required. Elmec Manufacturing, Oceanside, CA, USA.
Dc power jacks
Dc power jacks mount perpendicular to printed circuit boards for use in top-entry applications. Available in 2- and 2.5-mm sizes, the KLDV-SMT series jacks include a nickel-plated brass centre pin. The body is fabricated from a high-temperature thermoplastic material. Rated to 3 A at
Ultrasound cable assemblies
Fully configured cable assemblies are now available for diagnostic ultrasound probes. The ModulUS2 standard cables accommodate particular transducer parameters with normal- or low-capacity coaxial connectors. OEMs can specify wiring schemes and probe-specific tuning valves on the inductor boards. Low- or normal-capacitance assemblies terminate in a 32-coaxial array surface-mounted to connectors in a low-profile package. A sealable version of the ZIF housing is available. Precision Interconnect, Portland, OR, USA.
