Versatile Hybrid Connectors Pass the Sniff Test

For Test & Measurement applications, hybrid connectors enable effective and precise testing and monitoring. Learn how a vacuum manufacturer uses its industrial gas “sniffer” device with these versatile interconnects.

Hybrid connectors move signal, power, and data — plus one or more other fluidic media such as gas, air, or liquids. In Test & Measurement applications, they bring precision, reliability, flexibility, and simplicity. In medical or industrial applications, they provide ease of use and enable product designers to create more compact and user-friendly devices. By combining multiple functions into one connector, the size and weight of the application can be reduced and its functionality for operators can be optimized.

For Test & Measurement applications, hybrid connectors with gas or liquid and low-voltage connections offer a flexible solution, enabling effective and precise testing and monitoring. In one example. Pfeiffer Vacuum, a leading provider of vacuum and leak testing solutions, created a “sniffer” leak detector, a device that can precisely detect the presence of helium and hydrogen in industrial environments. In the event of a leak, this device can alert operators to power down equipment, enabling repairs to be made to protect resources and operations. It is commonly used in industrial applications like refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and e-mobility applications, and features high sensitivity (10^-7 mbar l/s), accuracy, and repeatability. It features two Fischer Core hybrid connectors with one fluidic tube and eight electrical contacts that resist high mating cycles.

To perform reliability in the field, the device must undergo rigorous testing. Leakage control using sniffing measurements before the final refrigerant gas charge is one of the last steps of the production process. Successfully passing this sensitive testing process ensures the reliability needed to increase productivity and quality levels. Based on over 50 years of know-how in leak detection, Pfeiffer Vacuum’s ASM 306 S provides a proven technology with sensitivity, accuracy, and repeatability. It offers fast and repeatable measurements, whether helium or hydrogen is used as tracer gas. This unit offers the fastest recovery in case of big leaks to maximize uptime. The ASM 306 S offers a compact and rugged design with limited footprint to be easily installed at any workplace. It is also the perfect choice for an integration into a production line whether for manual or automated operation. The main display of the ASM 306 S offers easy readability with its 7 inches size, fully tactile and high-resolution screen. This display is also removable and equipped with magnets at the rear to allow to be fixed on any metallic surface for the operator’s convenience. The test information is visible directly on the probe for easy visual management, with color LEDs lightning up in real time in accordance with the display, so that operators can focus on test parts.

The ASM 306 S helium and hydrogen sniffer leak detector from Pfeiffer Vacuum provides high sensitivity (10-7 mbar l/s), accuracy, and repeatability in industrial applications like refrigeration, air conditioning, and e-mobility. The test information is visible directly on the probe for easy visual management, with color LEDs lighting up in real time in accordance with the display, so that operators can focus on test parts. It relies on hybrid connectors.  (Photo with Pfeiffer Vacuum’s kind support)

The Fischer Core fluidic connectors enable a compact and user-friendly design for this powerful device. The insert is available from 1.4 mm to 4 mm to transmit gas, air, or liquids while the electrical contacts transmit power. It is designed for use in rugged industrial environments such as medical, industrial, and Test & Measurement applications where pressurized air, spray liquids, and high vibration may be part of the system.

In medicine, these connectors find use in pneumatic instruments with compressed air supply for puncturing, drilling, sawing, shockwave, etc., in surgery, dentistry, and therapeutic systems. The long-lasting lifecycle of medical devices requires a high number of mating cycles. These connectors moving fluids like water are ideal for cooling down systems as well. Shock and vibration resistance is a must to withstand impacts created by compressed air and mechanical power, and devices used in hospital settings must be sterilizable with autoclave.

For Test & Measurement applications, hybrid connectors with gas or liquid and low-voltage connections offer a flexible solution, enabling effective and precise testing and monitoring. The standard fluidic connectivity solutions from the Fischer Core Series allow for air compression up to seven bars, are sterilizable up to 500 autoclave cycles, withstand up to 10,000 mating cycles, resist high shock and vibration, and their robust key mechanism ensures safe and secure connections. Pfeiffer Vacuum’s ASM 306 S features two Fischer Core hybrid connectors in ‘size 104’ (19 mm Ø receptacle) with eight electrical contacts and one fluidic tube. This type of connector also allows for high data speeds and is compliant with Ethernet 5 Gbit/s data per Ethernet 5GBASE-T, IEEE standard 802.3bz-2016.

The fluidic connectors from the Fischer Core Series integrate multiple functions into a single rugged interface.

The manufacture of these precision, high-reliability instruments depend on components that can deliver accurate results in demanding use conditions, under repeatable tests. The Fischer Core series provides the quality and durability needed for these unique systems.

Visit Fischer Connectors to learn more about hybrid connectors and other solutions needed for Test & Measurement applications.

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