Interconnection


Lightweight D-sub backshells

28 September 2011 Interconnection

For decades, D-subminiature connectors have been the interconnect of choice in many electronic systems.

Over time, these connectors have evolved to meet changing requirements in a wide variety of applications. In many applications, EMI/RFI shielded backshell offerings have not kept pace with requirements. These types of backshells tend to be large, bulky and heavy. This is a problem in applications where weight reduction is a growing concern, such as the aerospace industry.

Many EMI/RFI hoods have a limited cable opening size. This creates a problem when high-density contact configurations are used. As an example, shell size 6 D-sub connectors offer 104 contacts. Backshells may not have a large enough cable opening to fully support the number of conductors that must be brought into the backshell. This is especially true when the cable includes twisted, shielded pairs that must be terminated inside the backshell.

To meet these challenges, Positronic Industries developed a new-generation backshell for D-sub connectors. The ‘A’ series backshell combines a number of features that meet the needs of many of today’s most challenging requirements for EMI/RFI protection for cable connectors. It is made from lightweight aluminium material with a zinc content of less than 1% and a wall thickness sufficient to provide a robust product while maintaining low weight.

A large aperture and strain relief is appropriate for high-density wire bundles using twisted, shielded pairs. Cable clamps can be ‘spooned’ to provide strain relief for smaller wire bundles. A wide form factor allows the user to easily meet bend radius requirements. Up to six grounding points are provided (depending on the size of the backshell) which are sized and shaped for use with 6,35 mm diameter ring terminals. Multiple ring terminals can be stacked under each grounding screw. Ground screw holes are pre-tapped for ease of installation and are tapped through the body of the backshell, providing internal or external grounding options.

A spacious interior is shaped to facilitate wire routing inside the backshell. There are no internal obstructions toward the rear of the backshell which might prohibit wire routing or limit connector options. The backshell offers a thumb grip to facilitate installation and removal in tight spaces. Backshells are offered with jackscrews as well as a quick disconnect locking system. Options allow locking for backshell to board, backshell to panel and backshell to backshell. Lightweight backshells are available with various performance levels including options for use in space flight applications.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Industrial Ethernet with HARTING solutions
Interconnection
In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, Ethernet connectivity plays a crucial role in automation, ensuring seamless communication between machines and systems, and HARTING offers a wide range of innovative Ethernet products.

Read more...
Steel wire cable tray systems
RS South Africa Interconnection
Legrand has developed a zinc aluminium finish surface treatment for its Cablofil steel wire cable tray system to minimise the threat of zinc whiskers forming.

Read more...
Versatile high-current contacts
Spectrum Concepts Interconnection
Mill-Max has announced the release of its number 36 contact, a unique contact designed to accept a wide range of lead sizes, while providing low insertion force and high current carrying capacity.

Read more...
High-density coax assemblies
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
WithWave’s high speed and high-density multi-coax cable assemblies provide a wide range of multiple coax connectors and flexible cable assemblies, with a choice of 20, 40, 50, 67 or 110 GHz configurations.

Read more...
IO-Link compatible fibre-optic sensor
Vepac Electronics Interconnection
The DFS71 is a digital fibre-optic sensor with configurable outputs: single output with remote input, redundant, complementary, and classic, which can all be configured as PNP (source), NPN (sink), or push/pull.

Read more...
High-performance connector
Interconnection
The CMM SMPM Series is the result of a collaboration between Nicomatic, a leader in connectors for harsh environments, and Radiall, an expert in RF coaxial connectors.

Read more...
Multi-channel SMPM cable assembly
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
Withwave’s multi-channel SMPM cable assemblies provide a choice of 26,5, 40 or 50 GHz configurations based on precision array design and superior high-frequency cabling solutions.

Read more...
Cable assembly delivers PAM4 in dense designs
Spectrum Concepts Interconnection
Samtec’s NovaRay cable assemblies combine performance and extreme density by using 40% less space than traditional arrays.

Read more...
M12 connectors with push-pull fast locking
Phoenix Contact Interconnection
Phoenix Contact’s push-pull fast-locking system, and the Push-Lock conductor connection, make assembly and installation effortless and reliable.

Read more...
Connectors for automotive zonal architectures
RS South Africa Interconnection
Rosenberger H-MTD connectors form the basis for reliable and efficient data transmission now and for future automotive zonal architectures.

Read more...