March 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.
March 2021 New Connectivity Products II
March 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Interconnects, etc.
Stewart Connector released new Category 8.1 RJ45 Punch-Down Plugs that support 25Gb/s and 40Gb/s Ethernet transmission speeds over balanced, twisted-pair copper cabling, meet CAT8.1 performance standards as defined by ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017 and ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, and provide cost-effective solutions for data centers looking to upgrade their data transmission speeds without switching over to more costly fiber optic solutions. The new CAT8.1 RJ45 Punch-Down Plugs are available with multiple strain relief options for compatibility with most of the solid and stranded CAT8 cables available in today’s market and are backwards compatible with existing RJ45 connector applications designed for CAT5e through CAT6a systems. They also support quick and easy in-field terminations without the need for any specialized tooling and are ideal for use in high-noise environments including military and medical equipment and switch-to-server connections data centers. Parts are currently available through DigiKey, Heilind, Mouser, and Newark.
Ironwood Electronics’ new LGA socket (CBT-LGA-5031) is designed for LGA104 devices with a 10mm × 5.84mm footprint, a 19 × 11 array, and a 0.52mm pitch, and features a unique contact design with outside spring and flat stamped plungers that achieve 14 grams of actuation force per pin. Optimized for device characterization, screening module, and custom burn-in and test applications with extreme temperature, signal integrity, and electrical performance requirements (e.g., demanding analog, digital, RF, Bluetooth, and medical device applications), the socket also features a clamshell lid that supports quick, drop-in IC installation and changeouts, an IC guide for precise LGA edge alignment, and an integrated compression plate between the clamshell lid and device for vertical activation force. In addition, it solderlessly mounts to target PCBs using supplied hardware and the smallest possible footprint to allow inductors, resistors, and decoupling capacitors to be placed very close by for impedance tuning. The new LGA105 socket is rated for 0.98nH self-inductance, <1dB insertion loss at 10GHz, 0.097pF capacitance, 4A per contactor, operating temperatures extending from -55°C to +180°C, and 125,000 insertions. Pricing starts at $696 in quantities of one, but reduced pricing is available with greater order quantities.
Samtec now offers compression-mount PCB connectors with 1.85mm interfaces for microwave applications up to 65GHz. These solderless vertical launch connectors enable easy, cost-effective assembly and in-field replacement, employ threaded couplings for superior repeatability and high mechanical stability, and offer microstrip and stripline options, as well as corresponding mating cable assemblies. Samtec also offers compression-mount connector solutions with 2.40mm interfaces for applications up to 50Ghz and 2.92mm interfaces for applications up to 40GHz. Microstrip and stripline options are available for those precision RF connectors as well, and new compression-mount PCB connectors with 1.35mm interfaces for microwave applications up to 90GHz will be released to market soon.
Bulgin’s new 9000 Series Buccaneer circular power connectors are well suited for high-amperage mains power to signal applications in multiple industrial environments. The new 9000 Series connectors feature robust Delrin housings and are available in male and female variants with flex body, flex in-line cable connector, and flange-mount configurations. The series also features IP68 sealing and either quarter-turn bayonet locking mechanisms for quick and easy mating and unmating, or threaded, screw-locking mechanisms for secure, robust connections that are easy to unmate. In addition, both locking variants are equipped with visual alignment features to ensure correct mating, and both provide positive feedback to confirm that the connector is properly mated and sealed. The series is currently available with 2–11 poles and rated for up to 225A and 1,250VACrms.
Hirose’s new ultra-reliable FH34D Series FPC/FFC connector supports FPC/FFC insertion in both top and bottom contacts for enhanced design flexibility and layout options and features tapered housing openings to ensure smooth insertion. It also features a simple, rotating, back-flip-style actuator that enables easy, two-step operation and achieves an impressive 7.8N of FPC retention force for top contacts and 14.5N for bottom contacts — or nearly two and more than three times higher than standard FFC/FPC connectors, which have an average retention force of just 4.0N. The space-saving FH34D Series connector has a 1.0mm height profile and a required mounting depth of just 3.2mm, is available with 4–50 contacts on a 0.5mm pitch, and is rated for 0.5A, 50VAC/DC, and a maximum of 100mΩ contact resistance. It also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe Gen 3, ePD 1.3, and MIPI D-PHY 1.1 protocols and automated pick-and-place assembly processes. Ideal applications for the new FH34D Series FPC/FFC connector include LED backlit connections in portable electronics and other consumer, medical, point-of-sale, and portable electronics applications.
Amphenol Industrial Operations enhanced its Max-M12 product line with the addition of a new X-coded, high-speed connector for 10Gb/s data transmission over up to 1,000m of CAT6 Ethernet cable and new S-coded solutions for safer, first-mate/last-break (FMLB) connections. The new connectors are based on IEC 61076-2-101 and SAE J2839, are backwards compatible with standard M12 connectors with the same indexing, and are ruggedized for use in harsh environment applications exposed to hazards including high vibration, moisture, salt, dirt, debris, and extreme temperatures. They can withstand high-pressure washdowns and temporary submersion, up to 240 hours of salt spray, and operating temperature extending from -55°C to +125°C and are rated for 4A and, when mated, up to 444N of connector-to-cable retention force and 110N of contact retention force. The new Max-M12 connectors are available with impact-resistant metal or plastic HDM 12 EX shells with straight or right-angle configurations, optional shielding, five polarity codes (A, B, D, S, and X), IP67 sealing, four or five contacts with solder, crimp, or printed circuit tail terminations, and several different mounting options, including front and back locking flange styles. Ideal applications include door, camera, communications, and HVAC systems in rail and mass transit systems, heavy-duty equipment and off-road vehicles, industrial automation systems, and robotics.
Stewart Connector extended its line of RJ45 Punch-Down Plugs with the addition of new unshielded CAT5e and CAT6 RJ45 Punch-Down Plugs with user-friendly, color-coded, pre-load wire managers for efficient, tool-free termination in datacom, telecom, PoE, and industrial control applications. The new RJ45 Punch-Down Plugs feature 50μin of gold plating on the contacts for increased cycle life and are compatible with solid or stranded 26–23AWG cable with over-the-conductor insulation diameters up to 1.6mm (0.063”) and overall outer diameters of 4–6mm (0.157–0.236”). The CAT5e plugs support up to 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet, and the CAT6 punch down plugs are suitable for use in up to 5GBASE-T networks. In addition, both plug kits come with termination instructions and are available through Digi-Key, Heilind, Mouser, and Newark.
Ironwood Electronics’ new QFN socket (CBT-QFN-7077) is designed to the JEDEC standard and for TI’s VQFN IC, which has a 7mm × 7mm footprint and a 0.5mm pitch. Optimized for hand test, screening device, and custom burn-in applications with stringent temperature, signal integrity, and electrical performance requirements (e.g., demanding analog, digital, RF, Bluetooth, and medical device applications), the new QFN socket features a unique contact design with outside spring and flat stamped plungers that achieve 31 grams of actuation force per pin, as well as a latching clamshell lid that supports quick, drop-in IC installation and changeouts, an IC guide for precise QFN edge alignment, and an integrated compression plate between the clamshell lid and device for vertical activation force. It also solderlessly mounts to target PCBs using supplied hardware and the smallest possible footprint to allow inductors, resistors, and decoupling capacitors to be placed very close by for impedance tuning. The new QFN socket is rated for 0.88nH self-inductance, <1dB insertion loss at 15.7GHz, 0.097pF capacitance, 4A per contactor, operating temperatures extending from -55°C to +180°C, and 125,000 insertions. Pricing starts at $622 in quantities of one, but reduced pricing is available with greater order quantities. Customized solutions are also available.
Yamaichi Electronics expanded its line of Y-Circ P push-pull circular connectors with the addition of new, right-angled AB and AR cable connectors with flexible cable outlets that support eight different positions during assembly to ensure optimal cable routing in even tight spaces. Like the rest of the Y-Circ P Series, the new AB and AR connectors are robust and easy to assembly, consisting of just two pieces, and are guaranteed for up to 5,000 mating cycles. Different sizes offer different pole patterns and customer-specific pin assignments are also availble and can be implemented quickly and easily at its production facilities in Germany. Yamaichi also offers an online configurator to help designers identify optimal solutions for an extensive array of unique application demands.
March 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Wire, Cable, and Cable Assemblies
Würth Elektronik further expanded its already-extensive range of flat flexible cable (FFC) products with the release of the new WR-FFC Folded cables, which are pre-folded, accordion-style, to take up less space, easily adjust to different distances, and simplify development and production storage. The new WR-FFC Folded cables are currently available with two pitches, 0.5mm and 1.0mm, and three variable lengths: 120–200mm, 165–350mm, and 280–500mm. They are also available in two styles: FFC Type 1, which features contacts on the same side, and FFC Type 2, which features contacts on opposite sides. In addition, WR-FFC Folded cables with 0.5mm pitches are currently available in 20- to 50-pin versions, while variants with 1.0mm pitches are available in 10- to 30-pin versions. The new range is also complemented by a large selection of straight and right-angled low- and zero-insertion-force (LIF and ZIF) plugs and receptacles.
Rosenberger released a comprehensive new portfolio of standard flexible microwave cable assemblies characterized by excellent phase and amplitude stability, as well as high electrical and mechanical stability, and available both with and without crush-resistant armoring that reliably withstands forces up to 80N/mm. The standard cable assemblies range covers ultra-low-loss and highly phase stable variants for 18GHz, 26.5GHz, 40GHz, 50GHz, and 70GHz. For stringent test and measurement applications that require metrology-grade performance, Rosenberger offers VNA test cables with performance up to 110GHz. Custom-designed cable assemblies are also available upon request.
Amphenol RF’s new, preconfigured FAKRA to AMC4 cable assemblies for space constrained automotive and IoT applications feature flexible, 1.13mm micro coax cables terminated with automotive industry standard FAKRA connectors on one end and ultraminiature AMC4 connectors on the other. The FAKRA connectors are color-coded and mechanically keyed to prevent mismating during the installation process, while the AMC4 connectors feature an ultra-low height profile (0.6mm off the board and just 1.4mm mated) and an extremely small, 2mm × 2mm footprint, and they can be terminated with any other similarly keyed FAKRA or AMC4 connectors. Standard FAKRA to AMC4 cable assemblies are also available in the universal Z code, which has the versatility to mate with all other key codes. Automotive applications include interior cabin cameras and sensors and dedicated short-range communication systems, such as V2X technology and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), all of which play key roles in vehicle safety. IoT applications include high-density systems and devices including smart boxes or modules, remote control access systems, in high-volume cable harnesses, and large multi-connector panels.
March 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Connector Materials, Accessories, Tools, and Development Kits
Cinch Connectivity Solutions’ new Johnson 2.92mm Quick-Connect and High-Frequency Standard SMA Quick-Connect Adapters are designed to convert standard threaded jacks to Quick-Connect plugs to enable quicker, easier, and more efficient test cable connections. Developed for use in R&D and test labs, the new adapters support easy, rapid, and reliable test cable connections for devices using 2.92mm and SMA connectors and deliver excellent electrical performance to 40GHz. They are also mechanically robust, rated for up to 1,000 mating cycles, and equipped with knurled thumbnuts that require only one half to one full turn to create a solid electromechanical connection. Full MIL-PRF-39012 electrical compatibility is obtained with a push and twist motion, and rapid disconnect is accomplished with a twist and pull motion. Parts are currently available through Digi-Key, Mouser, and Newark.
Stewart Connector’s new CAT6a Ethernet Cable Splicer quickly and easily establishes direct, in-field connections between patch cables and installation cables in consolidation point and end-to-end link applications — and without the need for any termination tools or RJ45 couplers or connectors on both ends. Suitable for use in datacom, telecom, PoE, and industrial equipment applications, this timesaving, tool-free cable splicer is fully shielded and equipped with color-coded wire caps that support T568A or T568B wiring configurations, integrated strain relief, and a mounting bracket for easy attachment to walls or ceilings. It is also compatible with solid or stranded 26–22AWG wire and available through Digi-Key, Farnell, Heilind, Mouser, and Newark.
Cinch Connectivity Solutions further expanded its Johnson SMPM family with the release of a new set of SMA to SMPM between-series adapters targeted at high-frequency applications including 5G networks, test and measurement systems, semiconductor ATE test boards, network communications equipment, and instrumentation test fixtures. The new adapters are designed to deliver high-frequency performance up to 26.5GHz, which is well beyond the typical SMA range of 18GHz, with an excellent VSWR of 1.20 up to 20GHz and 1.25 from 20–26.5GHz and are available through Digi-Key, Heilind, Mouser, and Newark.
March 2021 New Connectivity Products II > Sensors and Antennas
KP Performance Antennas introduced a new line of gigabit antennas ideal for public and private 5G networks deployed in the industrial, enterprise, utility, and mil/aero industries. The new line of sub-6GHz RF antennas for 5G network applications includes rubber duck and omnidirectional options that employ N-Type or SMA connectors and cover frequency bands extending from 600MHz to 7.2GHz. The new rubber duck antennas are available in tilt and swivel options with SMA connectors, cover a full range of sub-6GHz 5G bands, and can be used for Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e networks. The new omnidirectional antennas cover frequencies spanning 615–2,700MHz and are equipped with male or female N-Type connectors, as well as IP67 environmental protection, and available in both black and white for aesthetic compatibility with various installation environments.
L-com’s new small-cell sector antenna is ideal for WISP, MIMO, CBRS, and fixed wireless networking applications and is particularly well suited for 4×4 or 2×2 MIMO point-to-point or point-to-multipoint applications in the 3.5GHz CBRS frequency band. Its wider elevation beamwidth provides excellent coverage near the tower and can be mechanically tilted to provide optimal coverage over the target coverage zone. This robust, small-cell sector antenna also features an aesthetically pleasing form factor, a UV-resistant radome, four ±45° slant-polarization ports equipped with integral N-Type female connectors all in a single enclosure, and rugged mounting hardware for all-weather operation. March 2021 New Connectivity Products II
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