FEATURE INTERCONNECTION
THE RISE OF THE EV MARKET IS DRIVING ADVANCES IN CONNECTORS AND CABLES
David Bushnell, managing director of Inelco Hunter looks at how the electric vehicle market is driving demand for more advanced connector and cable solutions
T
he Electric Vehicle (EV) market is developing at a very rapid rate (a
worldwide increase of 58% from 2016 to 2017), and according to many reports, the global EV market is estimated to grow from 2017 to 2026 at a CAGR of 20-30%. The total global figures crossed the 2million mark in 2016, after crossing 1million in 2015. The market is driven by environmental concerns, the availability of low-cost Li-ON batteries and various government initiatives encouraging the use of electric vehicles. As a result, substantial investments are
being made by automobile manufacturers into the research, development, and deployment of electric vehicles. Automotive component suppliers have also invested heavily and mass production prospects have led to a decline in the prices of the key components. For example Amphenol has invested heavily in the development of rugged, high-quality connector and cable solutions, powered by their own patented RADSOK Technology.
Figure 1:
Components for electric vehicles
“last-to-mate” and “first-to-break” on connection/disconnection. Cable sizes vary between 2.5mm² and 150mm² with operating voltages up to 1,500V and 1,200A continuous at 85°C. David Bushnell, Managing Director of
“RADSOK Technology uses a flat
stamped grid, twisted into a hyperbolic geometry to provide highly-reliable socket contact with unique characteristics.”
This technology uses a flat stamped grid, Thi technology uses a flat stamped gri
twisted into a hyperbolic geometry to provide highly-reliable socket contact with much improved characteristics. The key benefits are higher amperages within smaller envelopes combined with higher current ratings. The hyperbolic geometry also provides a highly-reliable connection with a low insertion force. The end-result is a rugged connector providing high durability and long life. Amphenol’s electric vehicle products
come as IP2X touch-proof as standard. They are sealed to IP67 / IP6K9K specifications and are capable of taking shielded and or unshielded cables. An added benefit is the option of “HVIL” high voltage interlock safety contacts that are
16 JUNE 2018 | ELECTRONICS
Figure 2: Amphenol-HEV
Inelco Hunter says: “EV vehicle owners will require assured reliability and Amphenol products have always offered exceptionally-high reliability. This technology meets the needs of the EV market with rugged durability”. Lee Griffiths, Amphenol Industrial
Regional Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland supported David Bushnell’s comment in saying, “Amphenol is seeing unprecedented growth in the electric vehicle market sector. EV represents an extremely exciting emerging market for Amphenol Industrial and we are very pleased to have the technology to support a wide variety of applications, from charging and battery systems, all the way through to PDU (power distribution unit) and MCU (motor control Unit) systems”.
UPC CONNECTORS FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES Amphenol Industrial Products Group now offers a plastic power connector series designed to be used in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) market. The company’s compact universal power connectors (UPC) are available in two sizes and offer continuous power with 200A or 400A sizes. Ideal for use in power converters, hybrid electric vehicles, battery management systems, heavy equipment electrification, starter generators as well as 2- and 3- phase motors, these 2- and 3-pole connectors feature a plastic shell structure and small footprint. They are field installable and repairable. UPC includes Amphenol’s RADSOK technology for higher amperage, low voltage drop, less resistance and lower T- rise. The twisted grid configuration allows for 50% more current to pass through the same size pin to achieve the smaller package size, while providing increased reliability, cycle durability, and lower mating forces.
These new connectors offer additional key features. They are touch proof with HVIL (high voltage interlock loop) and include EMI shielding. Amphenol’s UPC connectors meet an IP67 rating when in a mated condition and can withstand a minimum of 500 mating cycles. Inelco Hunter offers Amphenol’s
complete range of EV connectors and cables, designed to meet Electric Vehicle applications, from charging to motor control and power distribution. This range includes power connectors, signal connectors, rugged cables and complete cable harnesses. Inelco Hunter as a fully-franchised
distributor can supply the complete Amphenol industrial product portfolio, from the newer EV ranges just coming onto the market to the more traditional well-known ranges, such as Ecomate, Heavy Mate and C091 M16 product series. In addition, Inelco Hunter can supply complementary EV components.
Inelco Hunter
www.inelcohunter.co.uk T: 01189 166 928
/ ELECTRONICS
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