What is a Power D or Combo D Connector?
Power D or Combo D-subs are specialized mixed-layout connectors that combine standard signal contacts with larger contacts for power, coax (RF), or high voltage in one shielded, locking, D-shaped shell. Some product lines also add fiber-optic contacts. The two names are often used interchangeably; however, some manufacturers use “Power-D” and “Combo-D” to distinguish products in their own lines.
Origin & Development
D-Sub connectors were designed by Cannon engineers in the early 1950s. The original D-Sub was a smaller, lighter alternative to bulky connectors used in aircraft radio systems. Today, multiple manufacturers make them. Cannon produced combo versions with larger contacts replacing some of the normal ones, for high-current, high-voltage or coaxial use, and other manufacturers now make them as well.
Design Highlights
Engineers choose these connectors for the space savings and cost savings that are possible with the mixed layout. The many possible configurations and multiple sources allow for design flexibility. They are a widely available form factor with many accessories (e.g., hoods, backshells, and jackscrews).
Technical Specifications
Many of the specifications listed vary by manufacturer or series and are shown as an example of known values. Please consult supplier data sheets to verify that a given product meets your application requirements.
| IDENTIFICATION | |
| Product / Series Name | Power D or Combo D; name varies by manufacturer. |
| Manufacturer(s) | Multi-sourced: ITT Cannon, Amphenol Communications Solutions, Amphenol Conec, Positronic, NorComp, EDAC, and Glenair make combo layouts. PEI-Genesis assembles and customizes Combo D connectors for several brands. |
| Industry Category | D-Sub (rectangular, D-shaped shell), mixed-layout/combination sub-family |
| Relevant Standards | Different standards apply to different versions: MIL-DTL-24308 (D-Sub connectors); DSCC 85039 (e.g. Positronic CBM Combo-D); AS39029 (size 20 contacts); IEC 60807 / DIN 41652; ARINC 801 (fiber-optic variants only); UL94V-0 (insulator flammability). |
| MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Shell / Housing Shape | D-Sub |
| Shell Material & Finish | Varies by series and RoHS status. Cannon Euro: tinned steel. Other Cannon versions: carbon steel with cadmium plating, steel with yellow chromate over zinc, or steel with tin over nickel. Conec: brass, tin-plated. Positronic offers stainless steel shells. |
| Overall Dimensions | Standard D-Sub shell sizes (DE, DA, DB, DC, DD); depth and height vary by termination and bracket. |
| Mounting Type(s) | Varies by manufacturer. Example: 90° PCB with metal or plastic bracket (optional grounding bracket), straight solder pins with standoff, clinch nut or push-fit, solder cup, crimp, and press-fit (sizes DA to DC). The Cannon Euro version fits PCBs up to 3.2 mm thick. |
| Plug Types | Pin and socket versions in each style. Crimp cable connectors without contacts (DA to DD), solder cup and PCB. Hoods and backshells are sold separately. |
| Receptacle Mounting Styles | Panel or PCB mounting using M3 or 4-40 UNC hardware: captive nuts, bushings, posts, standoffs and board locks. |
| Mating Cycles (rated) | Varies by plating and quality class. Cannon lists 50 cycles on some parts and 500 on others. Conec lists 50 for quality class 3 and 500 for quality class 1. |
| Locking Mechanism | Threaded hardware and mechanical retention accessories designed for standard D-sub shells, e.g., jackscrews, side locks, spring latches, and board locks. |
| CONTACT SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Contact Count (range) | Varies by layout, with layout codes reading as total positions, then “W”, then the number of size 8 cavities (which hold power, coax or high-voltage contacts). |
| Contact Size(s) / AWG | Signal: size 20, AWG 20 to 30 crimp (Cannon Euro). Size 8 cavities take coax, high-power (40 A at AWG 8, 20 A at AWG 12, 10 A at AWG 16) and high-voltage contacts. |
| Contact Material & Plating | Varies by manufacturer. Example: copper alloy, gold over nickel on pins and sockets. Size 8 gold thickness options are 0.76 µm or 1.27 µm. A gold-flash-over-nickel option is also offered. |
| Termination Method(s) | Solder cup, crimp, straight and right-angle PC, wire wrap, IDC, and press-fit. Not every series offers all of them. |
| Current Rating (per contact) | Varies by contact size, wire gauge and maker. Examples: Cannon Euro signal 7.5 A, coax and high-voltage 5 A, high power up to 40 A, Conec 20 A for power, and Positronic combo variants up to 100 A. (Test conditions vary.) |
| Voltage Rating | Varies by manufacturer. Example: Cannon Euro 1250 VAC signal, 1000 VAC coax/high power, 2800 V high-voltage (dielectric withstanding); Conec lists 250 V working voltage for power contacts. |
| SEALING & ENVIRONMENTAL | |
| IP Rating | Some versions are sealed and provide IP ratings. For example, Conec lists a 9W4 combi socket as IP67, NorComp lists a SEAL-D Power-D (13W3, vertical PCB) and a 3W3 right-angle part as IP67. |
| Operating Temperature Range | Varies by manufacturer. Example: -55 to 125 °C for Cannon Euro, -55 to 150 °C on other Cannon parts, -25 to 105 °C for Conec. |
| EMI / RFI Shielding | Shielded metal shell. Grounding brackets and grounding-dimple shells are available. Shielding effectiveness depends on the backshell and cable termination. |
| MATERIALS & COMPLIANCE | |
| Insulator Material | Varies by manufacturer. Example: Black thermoplastic, UL94V-0; PTFE in coax contacts; thermoplastic in HV contacts. Cannon also lists PCT and Conec glass-filled PBT. |
| RoHS / REACH / Halogen Free | Varies by part number. Positronic lists its CBM combo-D as RoHS-compliant. Cannon offers tin-over-nickel RoHS shell finishes (K87 pins, A197 receptacles). Cadmium plating is restricted under RoHS. Check part numbers for RoHs and REACH compliance and Halogen-free status. |
| ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE | |
| Impedance (if controlled) | Coax contacts are 75 Ω or 50 Ω; NorComp’s coax series are 50 Ω. |
| Data Rate | Cannon specifies coax is specified to about 500 MHz. |
SUPPLIERS
Manufacturers: ITT Cannon, Amphenol Communications Solutions, Positronic, EDAC
Distributors: Digi-Key, Mouser, Heilind. PEI-Genesis assembles and customizes Combo D connectors.
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