June 2021 New Connectivity Products II
Summary coverage of new-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits.
June 2021 New Connectivity Products II
June 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Interconnects, etc.
Interstate Connecting Components (ICC) has added Amphenol SV Microwave’s full line of VITA 67 interconnects to its RF product portfolio. Featuring high-density cable assembly plug-in modules that mate to backplane adapters, the VITA 67 solution utilizes an SMPM interface and serves as the foundational coaxial interconnect for RF on the VPX platform. This solution is designed for side-by-side implementation with VITA 46 hardware and meets MIL-STD-810 standards for shock and vibration. A key feature of the interconnects is their floating SMPM coaxial contacts, which ensure superior RF performance in any mating condition. The interconnects also provide a minimal footprint, easy installation and significant reduction in the mean-time-to-repair (MTTR). In addition to its VITA 67.1 and 67.2 solutions, ICC is offering SV Microwave’s VITA 67.3 connectors and cables. This newest specification has the advantage of customizable RF contact locations and features an edge-launch option that eliminates the need for cable assemblies on the plug-in card. VITA 67 offers a reliable embedded computing solution for aerospace and defense applications like SIGINT, EWR, ground base station and communication systems, avionics, radars, and air transport racks.
Stewart Connector announced a new IP67-rated USB Type-C connector. The IP67-rated USB Type-C connectors are used in IoT applications in which Ethernet moves beyond typical office applications. USB Type-C connectors are growing in popularity in new and emerging products, introducing a new need for an IP67-rated version of connectors that can support high-speed transmissions in harsh environments. Stewart Connector’s new IP67 USB Type-C connector supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 to meet 10 Gb/s. USB Type-C connectors’ reversible mating interface accommodates easy and reliable mating of the plug to jack in any direction. These sealed connectors excel when protection needs for electronics from environmental conditions exceed the capabilities of traditional USB connectivity. They are available from Digi-Key Electronics, Mouser, Newark, and Heilind Electronics.
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT) now offers high-performing, low-cost cable assemblies, connectors, and interconnect systems for 5G and Gen-Z systems used in IoT, network infrastructure, automotive and autonomous driving, medical services, military and defense, and aerospace applications. 5G networks require high bandwidths, faster data speeds, and ultra-low latency to successfully deliver next-generation performance. CarlisleIT’s 5G processing capabilities offer scalability, interoperability, reliability, and flexibility. Leveraging its worldwide manufacturing footprint, CarlisleIT is also able to work with customers to design, build, test, and certify 5G networks and systems.
Yamaichi Electronics introduced the new Y-Con Cover 20-TC for RJ45 Y-Con plugs with piercing contacts as a replacement for the current popular version of Y-Con Cover 20. Like Y-Con Cover 20, the new Y-Con Cover 20-TC is an IP20 full-metal version, which protects the plug from a variety of influences in an IP20 industrial area. Strong mechanical resistance paired with high protection against EMI disturbance guarantees the optimal signal transmission. In contrary to the current version, the Y-Con Cover 20-TC is usable with different cable diameters. A diameter range between 5.5 mm and 7.1 mm gives high flexibility for a variety of cables. Moreover, the Y-Con Cover 20-TC can be assembled without tools. The new snap hook concept makes screws redundant as the upper and lower parts only need to be pressed together. This saves about 30% to 50% on assembly time and eliminates the issue of dropped or lost screws. If necessary, the cover can be reassembled up to five times. With the company’s Y-Con Plug connector series, which is available with a different number of contacts, the Y-Con Cover 20-TC can be used for various RJ45 applications, as well as rough applications common in the industrial sector. Optional integrated power contacts offer the possibility for power transmission up to 2.1A.
June 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Wire, Cable, and Cable Assemblies
Cinch Connectivity Solutions announced the Trompeter MIL-STD-1553B twinax cable expansion, including RoHS-compliant and metric fixed-length assemblies. These on-the-shelf fixed-length cable assemblies ease fulfillment of customer requirements. The MIL-STD-1553B twinax cable assemblies are built using Trompeter TWC-78-1, TWC-78-2, and M17/176-00002 cable types. Assemblies are terminated with Trompeter PL75, three-slot connectors (the most common connector used in MIL-STD-1553B systems). This product release follows the highly successful initial offering which centered around the popular M17/176-0002 cable, commonly used in MIL-STD-1553B systems. These new cable assemblies also complement the recently announced Trompeter MIL-STD-1553B Bus Coupler family. Bus couplers with one to eight stubs are available in lead and lead-free versions. Distribution is available from Digi-Key, Mouser, and Newark.
Sager Electronics is stocking Molex’s OptoHD, OptoDP, and OptoUSB assemblies. Delivering uncompressed video with superior resolution, Molex’s OptoHD, OptoDP, and OptoUSB Active Optical Cable (AOC) assemblies offer familiar passive plug-and-play interfaces with reliable signal integrity performance up to 100 m. Capable of transmitting ultra HD video, the Opto, OptoDP, and OptoHD AOC assemblies meet today’s data demands in the medical and industrial automation markets. When consumer displays are more than 3 m from their source, copper cables may need multiple connections to cover the distance, often creating connectivity failures at multiple points. OptoUSB, OptoDP, and OptoHD AOC assemblies’ lengths are up to 100 m, eliminating the need for multiple connection points and reducing the possibility of connectivity failure.
Stewart Connector announced a new line of IP67-rated USB Type-A cable assemblies designed for use in IoT applications where reliability and functionality are necessary, and USB connections are needed outside of typical office applications. These cable assemblies can be used in industrial automation, medical devices, military applications, and other harsh environments. Available in both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 performance speeds, these new IP67-rated cable assemblies feature multiple connector end options. This new line is available from Digi-Key, Mouser, and Newark.
L-com’s new USB 3.0 cables with high-flex and drag chain-rating are rated to five million cycles and have a 75 mm bend radius. They feature machine vision connectors and are tested for industrial and machine vision applications to be significantly more rugged than standard cables. These cables are offered with A to A, A to B, A to Micro-B, A to A female, and A to Micro-B with vision thumbscrew options available. L-com’s USB 3.0 cables are ideal for industrial and factory settings, especially security and machine vision camera applications or any application needing an option more rugged than a standard cable.
ConductRF is now making many standard VITA 67 RF Cable assembly options available through Digi-Key. ConductRF supports SMPM, SMPS, and NanoRF insertable coax connector configurations with standard validated performance up to 18 GHz. Each assembly is built utilizing a highly stable coax cable. Solutions include options for both 0.086 in and 0.047 in coax cable. Custom phase matching is available. The performance RF cable is 100% test validated and RoHS compliant. The VITA 67 RF cable assembly is a robust and powerful solution for multi-port RF interconnect and a new industry standard for backplane blind-mate solutions. It also supports mixed signal requirements. Also available from Digi-Key are ConductRF hand formable cables with 0.047”, 0.086”, and 0.141”. Jacketed and unjacketed versions of these cables are available with a wide array of standard connector configurations. They are RoHS and Reach compliant, great for RF testing, and made in the U.S.
June 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Sensors and Antennas
KP Performance Antennas’ new 5 GHz ProLine 2-port sector antennas provide higher signal strength and improved interference rejection over equivalent asymmetric horn antennas. KP’s new line includes four models with high gain of 16 to 17 dBi and tailored patterns that are stable over 60˚ to 90˚ bandwidth options, allowing them to outperform asymmetric horns. These models feature superior front-to-back near 40 dB that permits channel reuse. A universal radio bracket with quick-release slot/clip design is compatible with many AP radios. These new sector antennas support public safety (4.9 GHz), U-NII-1, 2, 3, and 4 (5.15-5.925 GHz), and up to 6.4 GHz for the global market. An integrated hoisting hook provides added safety and convenient installation. All-weather operation is possible with rugged, powder-coated aluminum brackets, a heavy-duty UV-resistant ABS radome, and an anodized aluminum reflector.
Pasternack’s new series of standard gain waveguide horn antennas address a wide range of R&D, test and measurement, government/military, wireless communication, and microwave radio systems applications. Pasternack’s new waveguide horn antennas can be used in a broad variety of applications due to their high power handling capability, low loss, high directivity, and near constant electrical performance. These standard gain waveguide horn antennas are available in a wide range of gain options, frequency support, and sizes. Features include 10, 15, and 20 dBi gain options, frequencies ranging from 1.7 GHz to 40 GHz, L, S, C, X, Ku, K, and Ka bands, WR-28 to WR-430 waveguide sizes, as well as Type-N, SMA, and 2.92mm (Type-K) connector options. Additionally, these new waveguide horn antennas are made in the U.S. and are TAA-compliant.
June 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Connector Materials, Accessories, Tools, and Development Kits
Sager Electronics is now stocking TRACO Power’s TEP 40UIR and TEP 60UIR high performance DC/DC converters, qualified to EN 50155 and EN 61373 standards for rugged industrial and railway applications. Offered in a compact quarter-brick metal package and with ultra-wide 12:1 input voltage range, these DC/DC converters are an all-in-one solution for applications requiring separate converters to operate on multiple input voltage ranges. TRACO Power’s converters eliminate the need for expensive high-voltage capacitors at the input. They include an internal circuit which extends hold-up time and a 25V capacitor which can cover the entire input range, reducing cost, size, and inrush current. Additional features include high efficiency up to 91%, operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C I/O-isolation voltage of 3,000 VAC, adjustable under voltage lockout function, remote on/off, and adjustable outputs.
Newark has expanded its range of single board computer (SBC) development kits with the addition of the OrangeCrab r0.2 open-source FPGA development board from Good Stuff Department. The OrangeCrab expertly combines the ultra-compact Adafruit Feather form factor that electronic designers love with the high power normally associated with much larger field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) development boards. The OrangeCrab is based on the Lattice EPC5 FPGA and features two memory configurations including the ECP5 25F/128Mbit and ECP5 85F/521Mbit. The FPGA is compatible with open-source toolchain and is perfect for experimenting with RISC-V and other softcore SoCs. The variety of peripherals built into the OrangeCrab makes it suitable for many real-world applications. Users can port over CircuitPython to the OrangeCrab which is more than capable of hosting the interpreter. While not currently implemented, developers are free to target the FPGA itself with gateware-synthesized HDL. For those more familiar with an SoC-level development platform, the ECP5 can run a RISC-V softcore. The LiteX project also provides developers with increased flexibility and capability.
Also new from Newark is the 2040 chip built on Raspberry Pi-designed silicon. This new chip, which is at the core of the $4 Raspberry Pi Pico, delivers a combination of high performance, low cost, and ease of use. The Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller offers high performance for integer workloads, a large on-chip memory, and a wide range of I/O options, making it a flexible solution for a wide range of microcontroller applications. Professional design engineers who are already comfortable working with Raspberry Pi will easily adopt the Raspberry Pi Pico and appreciate its ease of use and affordability. Key features include two ARM Cortex-M0+ cores clocked at 133 MHz, 264 kB of on-chip SRAM, 30 multifunction GPIO pins, dedicated hardware for commonly used peripherals alongside a programmable I/O subsystem for extended peripheral support, four-channel ADC with internal temperature sensor, and built-in USB 1.1 with host and device support. The Raspberry Pi 2040 is available from Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in Asia Pacific.
Neutrik now features full integration with Crestron control products to remote control the NA2-IO-DPRO, its latest addition to networked devices. Designers can now fully integrate the DPRO into a Crestron system and perform various controls such as gain, phantom power, lo-cut, mute, and mic/line switch. The NA2-IO-DPRO, Neutrik’s PoE-powered Dante I/O solution adds more flexibility in a network setup for line, MIC, and even AES signals. The NA2-IO-DPRO can also be remote-controlled from Yamaha CL/QL consoles, and from Q-Sys and Crestron control devices. The module is available for free in the Crestron application market. In addition, new DPRO Controller software 2.0 and related firmware are available on the Neutrik website.
Smiths Interconnect has released its SpaceNXT K2TVA Thermopad Temperature Variable Attenuator for gain compensation over temperature. Specifically designed and tested for critical space flight applications, the SpaceNXT K2TVA series offers a highly reliable, totally passive solution to offset signal strength fluctuation due to changes in temperature – an issue that affects all RF and microwave systems. The attenuation shift over temperature is achieved using thick-film thermistor inks screen printed onto a ceramic substrate of alumina. This key patented technology was invented in-house within EMC Technology, one of Smiths Interconnects’ technology brands. Each product is engineered using 3D electromagnetic simulation (EM) software to provide excellent TCA (temperature coefficient of attenuation) targeting (up to four times over the original KTVA series). This aids in obtaining the best attenuation flatness and voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) within the specified frequency band. The Thermopad can be used in place of a standard chip attenuator to combine level setting or buffering and temperature compensation in a single chip design. This reduces the component count, while increasing reliability and lowering costs. Multiple attenuation values, temperature shift options, and mounting configurations are available to support both surface mount and wire bond applications.
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