What are XT Connectors?
Meet the Connector: XT Connectors
XT connectors are a type of high-current connector commonly used in radio-controlled (RC) models, drones, and micromobility modes.
The XT connector was originally designed by Amass, a Chinese manufacturer, with a goal of providing an easy to use, compact, and durable connector with a high current capacity and minimal resistance for demanding, portable electronics. The XT’s popularity has led many manufacturers to produce commercial versions, often with the same form factors and specifications. However, quality varies widely; at the low end, XT connectors serve consumer-quality remote controlled toys, while high-quality versions serve drones, e-bikes, and other high-reliability applications.
Typically, XT connectors come in different variants indicating the approximate current (in amps) they can handle: XT30 (30A), XT60 (60A), XT90 (90A), and XT150 (150A).
Design Notes
Standardization: XT connectors are not formally standardized but they have become de facto standards in certain industries, especially among hobbyists and manufacturers of RC vehicles, drones, and similar high-current applications.
Mounting type: XT connectors are typically cable mounted.
Mating cycles: XT connectors are generally rated for about 100 mating cycles under typical conditions. However, that number can be higher or lower depending on the type and quality of the product.
Positions: XT connectors have a single mating position.
Dimensions: XT connectors have a compact, rectangular shape with rounded edges and a distinctive polarized design that prevents incorrect mating, typically featuring two separate housing sections for male and female connections.
RS PRO XT60 Female Connector (2P, 60A, 500 V DC)
Contacts: Gold-plating is used on the internal contacts for excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, to help minimize power losses and to withstand high currents without overheating.
Material specifications: To ensure safe connections under load, materials must withstand high temperatures.
Physical properties
Heat-Resistant Housing: Amass chose nylon and other heat-resistant plastics for the connector housings, allowing them to maintain structural integrity even under high load conditions, which is important for prolonged high-current applications.
Secure Fit: XT connectors feature a friction-fit design that keeps connections stable during operation, especially in applications that experience vibration, like drones or RC vehicles.
Soldered Connections: To ensure reliable current transmission, the XT series connectors were designed to be soldered, creating a stable bond between the connector and the wire to handle high currents.
Environmental properties: XT connectors do not offer the same level of environmental sealing or protection against extreme conditions as connectors designed for rugged applications. However, several connector designs are inspired by the XT, such as TE Connectivity’s DT-XT, a connector that features a format similar to the XT, but adds sealing, ruggedization features, and advanced design.
Electrical properties: XT connectors are most commonly used in applications below 100V in the RC and drone space (typically the XT30 and XT60 connectors). Voltage may be specified up to 500V DC for the higher-capacity models.
Contact Resistance: XT connectors have very low contact resistance, typically around 0.5 mΩ or lower, depending on the model. This low resistance helps minimize power loss and heating during high-current applications.
Markets and Applications
Transportation, Consumer, Automotive
Initially designed for the RC vehicle market, XT connectors were adopted for use by other remote-controlled applications in the consumer market. They have since expanded to drone applications and are also often used for e-bikes and other electrified micromobility applications in the transportation market.
Suppliers
Like this article? Check out our other Meet the Connector articles to learn more about the world of interconnects.
To learn more about the companies mentioned in this article, visit the Preferred Supplier pages for DigiKey Electronics, RS, and TE Connectivity.
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