Precision instrumentation depends on the accuracy, security, and reliability of its connectivity, yet connectors are often the weakest link. Find out what matters most when selecting connectivity solutions to enhance performance and usability in demanding test and measurement applications.
Instrumentation designers and end users are constantly seeking better performance, greater reliability, faster data transfer speeds, and easier integration, use and maintenance.
High-precision test and measurement applications call for innovative connectivity solutions that are both rugged and versatile. The best connectivity partners not only offer a wide choice of standard body sizes, styles, and contact configurations, they also work closely with designers to adapt existing connectors or develop customized solutions that fit the specific end-use application environment.
High-precision test and measurement instruments that are used outdoors need to withstand aggressors like extreme temperatures, vibrations, abrasion, and wet or muddy conditions. Many are made of brass, stainless steel, or aluminum, and may be sealed to protect against dirt, water, and gasses. Rugged connectors also come in fiber optic, power, signal, and hybrid versions. Applications like remote sensors often use rugged connectors to protect the integrity of the data they collect. Key design criteria to be defined from the outset include the right level of sealing (environmental against liquids and dirt, e.g., IP68, or hermetic against gasses), shielding (EMI/RFI, 360°), number of mating cycles (e.g., 10,000); temperature rating (e.g., -50°C to +160°C). Other important factors to consider are size and weight, durability in harsh environments, and ease of use for safe and secure mating, maintenance, and cleaning.
Three cases show how defining the right connectivity requirements, constraints, and opportunities upstream in the application design process helped overcome major roadblocks:
Case 1 – ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D Sensors: Miniaturized Rugged Connectors for Accurate Data Transmission Even with Vibrations – Fischer MiniMax™ Series
Case 2 – ITTH’s Scanning Systems: Secure Hybrid Fiber Optic Connectivity for Predictive Railway Maintenance – Fischer FiberOptic Series
Case 3 – Piletest’s Pile Echo Tester: Reliable Cable Assembly for Ease of Use on Job Sites – Fischer Freedom™ Series
Full article published by Connector Supplier on June 8, 2021
juin 10, 2021 · 4 min read
