Instrumentation • Electronics


Fig. 4. The Fischer MiniMax Series of connectors.


❽ Raw Cable and Assemblies. Once you have identified your connector, it’s time to define the raw cable and the cable assembly. Connectors are getting smaller all the time, so it’s becoming easier to inadvertently spec a small connector that won’t work with the larger cable you would like to use. You’ll have to look at both the cable and the connector together to make sure that they compatible.


➒ Ask About Service and Delivery. Check for realistic delivery dates; delivery on custom connectors from any supplier will always be longer than selecting an off the shelf product. If you can use something that’s already designed, you will find it has shorter delivery. Reduced lead times may be available by modifying an existing design. If you decide that a custom connector is the solution you require, make sure that


your supplier is committed to the project over the life of your device.


➓ Engineering Support Can Save Time. Ask suppliers about the kind of support you can expect from their engineering and product development teams. Check out details about design and prototyping services. Letting someone else look at your device early in the design process often opens up options for cost-saving or time-saving ideas. ●


Enter 25 or ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/ede


David Cianciolo leads the Fischer Connector United States engineering team from Atlanta, GA, USA.


Fischer Connectors is based in Saint-Prex, Switzerland. www.fischerconnectors.com


Chip resistors for current detection R


ohm has expanded its line-up of high power wide terminal low ohmic chip resistors designed for


current detection in automotive systems, motors, power supply applications, and more. The latest addition, the LTR18 series, offers 1W of rated power in the 3216 size (3.2x1.6mm, t=0.58mm) - four times greater than conventional products. Typically, resistors used for current detection in automotive, power supply, and motor circuits require low resistance, low TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance), and high rated power. What is more, the growing interest in electronic products with ever increasing functionality will require even higher currents, heightening demand for products


that support higher power in a compact form factor, particularly 1W in the 3216 size. In response, an original heat dissipation design was used to provide four times the power rating versus conventional products in the 3216 size, along with improved materials and a revamped resistor element structure for superior TCR characteristics even at low resistances. And the novel wide terminal configuration minimizes mechanical stress at the joints and improves joint reliability against temperature fluctuations. In addition, higher power handling capability and improved temperature characteristics make them ideal for sets with stringent temperature compensation requirements, such as automotive


applications, while reducing design load significantly mount. Key features include: ● Excellent temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). Normally, the lower the resistance value the higher the TCR. However, through material and resistive element optimisation ROHM was able to provide the industry’s best TCR at low resistances. ● Wide terminal design utilised for greater reliability. Configuring the terminals at the wider sides reduces mechanical stress at the joints while improving junction reliability against thermal cycling. ●


For more information, visit www.rohm.com/eu


www.engineerlive.com 25


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