While the term rugged is frequently used to describe a variety of products including connectors, products are increasingly going beyond normal expectations in this area. For example, connectors that operate in 125C ambient or in dirty or damp conditions, are waterproof to 10m or able to withstand 50g's of shock, certainly qualify as rugged. Molding integrated electronics and the antenna into a wireless connector adapter provides a degree of ruggedness not normally expected from this type of integrated product. The three products discussed here address at least one of these capabilities and, in some cases, more than one.
Rugged Bluetooth Adapter
Bulgin's Bluetooth Buccaneer is a USB to Bluetooth adapter with an IP68-rated dust and waterproof connector. Designed to operate in harsh or industrial environments, the Bluetooth electronics with built-in antenna are housed in the overmolded UL94V-0 body of the connector. Instead of the 5m signal transmission limitation of USB connections, the wireless approach extends the range to 25m for the lower power Class 2 adapter and up to 100m with the Class 1 adapter. The unit operates at 2.4 GHz in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. The mating panel mount connector has a standard USB type A connection. Burying the antenna in the connector end piece and overmolding it prevents the antenna from becoming a weak point in the systems ruggedness. The connector with its integrated electronics targets applications in industrial control between computers and peripherals where water and dust may be present.
http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-546
Splashproof Connector
When the operating environment requires protection from high humidity, moisture or even dust or dirt, AirBorn has an answer with its N-Series Splashproof connectors. The nanominiature connector's machined housing accepts an O-ring gasket. When mated with #2-56 hardware, the O-ring and secure screw connections provide a tight, impenetrable seal. With a fluorosilicone gasket that meets SAE AMS-R25988 and a nano contact interface that satisfies MIL-DTL-32139, the connectors address the requirements of several specifications. In addition, the materials used in the connectors meet thermal vacuum outgassing requirements for space applications. Available in 10 dual-row connector sizes from 9 to 85 contacts, as well as SMT, PTH and I/O configurations, the connectors as a completed assembly meet the performance requirements of MIL-DTL-32139.
http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-510
Hostile Environment Connection
ITT Cannon's VEAM CIR multi-pin connectors target coax, fiber, high voltage (HV) and pneumatic applications in hostile environments. Design options include twin or tri-axial, hermetic and EMC versions. The connector's positive lock and quick disconnect coupling design surpasses the requirements of MIL-C-5015. Coupling and uncoupling in one quarter turn, the units withstand 50g's shock and 20g's vibration without requiring lockwires. With no coupling threads to experience wear or contamination, the connectors have an audible, visual and tactile indication of full coupling. Units are waterproof to 10m (33 ft) for 12 hours at 14.7 psi and can withstand 2,000 couplings minimum. Coaxial versions accept most RG cables. Fiber styles handle single or multiple fibers. Twin or tri-axial units have size 4 or 8 contacts. The RFI/EMI design has grounding fingers on plug connectors for 360 degree plug-to-receptacle shield integrity. Pneumatic units have a variety of insert arrangements with size 4, 8 or 12 cavities accepting pneumatic contacts for liquid or air at pressures of up to 110 psi. The versatile connectors target military, commercial, medical, geophysical, entertainment, nuclear and aerospace applications.
http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-547
High Temperature Connector
Conec's SAL HT can withstand 125C. In fact, units are rated for 100C operation for 30,000 hours, 125C for 8,000 hours and 150C for 2,000 hours per IEC 60664-1. The dimensions and construction of the series comply with IEC 61076-2-101. In addition to 3- to 8-pin axial and angled configurations, a variety of flanged connectors/adapters are available. The series includes connectors with integral wires and assembly ready constructions. Overmolded cable material options allow use in dirty and damp industrial conditions. With a screw attachment, the connectors meet the requirements of protection class IP67.
http://rbi.ims.ca/5406-548
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