Rack & Panel Connectors for Transportation Applications Product Roundup

By AJ Born | October 19, 2021

This week’s Product Roundup highlights rack and panel connectors for transportation applications from leading suppliers.

Rack & Panel Connectors for Transportation Applications

The Winchester TXAC Series from CDM Electronics is designed for external installation in industrial and commercial applications that operate in high temperature, rough service environments. This series has the same military-type anodized aluminum hoods, rugged polyester thermoplastic insulators, screw-machine removable contacts, guide and jack hardware, and protective, anodized aluminum shells as the XAC Series. These features make this series suitable for chassis mounting, bulkheads, or any outside surface equipment.

The L Series from Smiths Interconnect comes with frames in various lengths to accommodate numerous module combinations. The frames range from a basic version with just two side rails and two end caps to more complex versions with jackscrews, backshells, and cable clamps. Interface connectors needed for automotive test systems must be robust, but they must also be flexible, because different types of testers require different interconnects. The rugged modular L series focuses on signal and power requirements and has a wide variety of contact modules that can be incorporated for this purpose.

Cinch Connectivity Solutions’ C-ENX line of connectors, designed to EN4644, is the next generation of aerospace connectors. C-ENX connectors allow optimized stacking of connectors and thereby reduce space compared to circular connectors. They are also modular, which reduces rework and complexity because the same panel cutout is used on all variations and the same shell cavities for all inserts. Configurations are available for signal, power, data, RF, and fiber.

ITT Cannon’s BKA ARINC 600 Rack & Panel Interconnect Solutions represent the standard for new avionics systems in the commercial and military air transportation markets. These highly engineered, blind mate interconnects are available in three and six gang configurations and accommodate up to 800 low insertion force contacts, including multi-signal Quadrax Contact Systems. The inserts are field replaceable. BKA connectors are available in environmental and non-environmental versions. Size 22 Stamped PCB Contacts for BKA ARINC 600 Receptacles are also available, offering customers significant cost savings over traditional machined contacts.

Radiall’s MPX series, qualified according to MIL-DTL-83527B specification and to EN3682 European standards, is used in military applications to connect avionics to the equipment rack. A ruggedized version of the Arinc 600, Radiall’s MPX series, also known as DoD-C-83527, is high density and robust enough for the needs of the civil and military aerospace markets when harsh environmental conditions are a concern. MPX features enhanced sealing, high conductivity and corrosion resistance, a robust machined shell, and removable inserts with various configurations. Available as connector assemblies or sold as kits for shells or inserts, Radiall’s MPX large product offering includes numerous insert arrangements and a large variety of accessories and contacts for any type of technology (signal, power, coax, twinax, triax, quadrax contacts, optical temini, or LuxCis ARINC 801).

Amphenol Canada’s ARINC 600 connectors are a recognized standard rack and panel connector for aircraft applications. The ARINC 600 is the successor to the ARINC 404 for many of the new avionics designs. Compared to the ARINC 404, the ARINC 600 features lower mating force contacts, increased contact count, a front release, and a floating keying system. Amphenol’s ARINC 600 rack and panel connectors are designed to meet all relevant ARINC 600 connector specifications.

The EN4165 rugged Ethernet connector from Nicomatic is modular and made with a ready-to-plug silicone sealed component that offers reliable connection in a simple and efficient design. The EN4165 is used in civil aerospace, military vehicles, defense avionics, and robotics. Its interfacial seal closes between mated modules and reduces arcing. Its peripheral seal closes between the module and its shell cavity. The rear grommet compresses around wires and avoids harness liquid ingress. Molded thermoplastic clips provide high contact retention and a module retention clip allows fitting in any adapted cavity.

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AJ Born

Associate Editor at ConnectorSupplier.com

AJ (Amy J.) Born first landed in the engineering space writing and editing for IEEE GlobalSpec (Engineering360.com). In addition to engineering, her published articles cover topics as diverse as HVAC, small business, mental health, and spirituality/personal growth. At Connector Supplier AJ combines her writing and marketing expertise as associate editor. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder. AJ can be reached at [email protected].