FEATURE CABLES & CONNECTORS


right for your application?


W


hen developing electronic hardware systems for industrial applications, selecting the right connectors for


your needs represents an important decision. Although electro-mechanical connectors are small, affordable components, they nevertheless play a crucial role in maintaining the overall performance and reliability of the system as a whole. As such, it is vital for design engineers,


component specifiers and those in charge of procurement to think carefully when choosing the best connectors for the job. This means looking at the various types of connector available on the market and selecting a model that provides the most beneficial qualities for their industrial purposes.


circular connectors


Circular connectors are among the most common types of connector, offering multi-pin mechanical housings with a circular design to transmit data, signal or power supply from one device to another. Designed to be highly versatile, they are available with a wide range of wire termination methods, locking mechanisms and size classes, with their unifying feature being their ease of use. Their key benefits include: • Ease of installation and removal • Compact design • Reliable and secure locking mechanisms • A strong mechanical performance and sealed ingress protection


• Capability to house various kinds of contact within the same shell.


D-subminiature connectors


These connectors are a popular type of electrical connector named after their characteristic D-shaped metal shells. Often used for communications, networking and video applications, these can be optimised to protect a system from mechanical and electromagnetic interference. D-sub connectors are available


in a variety of styles, including high-density, standard, filter, combination and waterproof options. Although less ubiquitous than they were before the advent of USB technology, their unique


2 DESIGN SOLUTIONS NOVEMBER 2021 8


design means they still have a place in a variety of industrial applications. Key benefits include: • Rugged design and secure connections, thanks to their screw-in locking mechanisms


• Compact form factor • Reliable, proven performance at an affordable cost


• Specialised applications for computing and media systems.


Power connectors


Power connectors are highly specialised components that are dedicated to linking a device to a source of power. Optimised for the most challenging and demanding environments, the connectors can handle extremely high power inputs. These sophisticated connector systems


offer insulated performance and a range of configuration options, enabling users to adjust the setup to meet their requirements. Because they are specially designed for power transmission, they can offer a number of unique performance advantages. Key benefits include: • Ruggedised sealed connections, even in challenging outdoor environments


• Broad range of product options for AC and DC transmission


• Reliable, high-density signal integrity and performance.


Which type of connector is


Northern Connectors explores the features of some of the most


common and popular types of electronic connector, in order


to provide an insight into which option will work best for your application


rectangular connectors


Rectangular connectors are another mainstay of industrial design, providing strong, reliable and versatile connectivity solutions for various applications. They consist of a series of inserts and contacts contained within a rectangular plastic or metal housing. Suitable for transmitting power, signals


and data from one device to another, they provide straightforward, reliable and robust connections, simply by inserting the ‘male’ plug component into a ‘female’ socket receiver. Key benefits include: • Robust and simple to install • Modular and configurable solutions • Space-efficient, as a single connector can offer multi-purpose performance.


rF coaxial connectors


Radiofrequency (RF) coaxial connectors are most commonly used in conjunction with audiovisual equipment, telephony equipment or antennas, delivering rapid signal transmission with minimal interference. Coax cables consist of an inner conducting material surrounded by a concentric conducting shield, with the two layers separated by a dielectric insulator. Connectors


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