Round Form-Factor Connectors

Industrial has become a very hot market sector in the connector industry. "A lot of companies that were not traditionally in the industrial market are now trying to diversify their product portfolio, so they can play in that market," says Ron Bishop, president of Bishop and Assoc., a market research firm that focuses on connectors. The reason is steady growth and stability. "It doesn't have the peaks and valleys like telecom and computer," says Bishop.

With this interest, new connectors for industrial applications continue to appear from many suppliers. For example, three new round form-factor connectors address the need for transmitting data in industrial and other applications. Even though they all handle data, these connectors may meet different specifications, especially for ruggedness and/or performance. For example, the following connectors meet DIN specification EN61984 or IEC IP67 or MIL- DTL-32139 performance standards. One connector satisfies two of these standards.

Circular Nanominiature Connector

AirBorn NC Series Circular Nanominiature connectors offer space saving and high reliability. Meeting MIL-DTL-32139 performance standards, the connectors target panel-mount applications that require space and weight savings. Available in 7, 19 and 44 contact sizes, the circular receptacles have either front or rear panel mounting configurations. Mating input/out plug connector options include either quick-release disconnect or threaded-coupling locking features that provide mechanical retention and ease of separation. Equipped with or without sealing gaskets, the pre-wired connectors can be ordered with factory or customer-defined wire/cable.

M23 Circular Signal Connector

Offering high reliability and easy assembly in tough industrial environments, Lapp's EPIC CIRCON M23 circular signal connectors are a standard M23 threaded connection housing designed to DIN specification EN61984. Available in panel mount, coupler or connector configurations with 6, 7, 8+1, 9, 12, 16 and 17 gold plated crimp or solder contacts, the connectors operate over a temperature range of -25 to 125C. The design uses a nickel-plated zinc body, plastic contact insulation body and sleeve and gold-plated electrical contacts to achieve IP 67/68 level protection. Cable-mounted configurations include an EMC shield ring and lamellar cable clamp and seal. Satisfying cable-to-machine or control panel or simple cable-to-cable requirements, the connectors have a variety of configurations with ratings up to 150V and 14A. The connectors target control signal transmission and servo drive encoder feedback that require a compact rugged connector, applications include plastics, printing, analytical instrument, robotics and machine tools.

Circular Ethernet Connector

Designed for applications that require environmental sealing and rugged operation, Tyco Electronics Corp.'s AMP Circular Plastic Connector (CPC) Series 45 Ethernet connector accepts RJ45 inserts for Ethernet communication applications. Targeting Category 5 and 5e cables, the connectors have rugged shells, housings and receptacles and IP67 level sealing. To provide reliable connections, the design uses a positive lock coupling and connector halves are polarized for proper mating. When not in use, a protective cap can cover the receptacle. Other available options include pass-through assemblies, field-installable receptacles and unshielded products. With an operating temperature range of -55 to 105C (-67 to 221F), the Series 45 Ethernet connectors are suited for medical equipment, industrial machinery and diagnostic equipment.