Harsh Environment / Remote Locations

melt if they are not designed to withstand high- temperature operating environments.

from the contact or terminal, the mounting hardware, and the backshell used on and in the D-sub connector assembly.

Expansion. Using set material that does not expand is a best practice. Still, consider that some materials expand with heat exposure. This can result in additional stress on the connection and create continuity issues if the expanding material interferes with the contacts. Contraction. Some materials contract with cold exposure, possibly resulting in additional stress on the connection and creating continuity issues if the contracting material interferes with the contacts. CONTACT TYPE AND SIZE The contact type and size should be considered in applications with higher amperage requirements. In general, the bigger the contact or terminal, the higher the amperage it can withstand. Waterproof Power Combo D-Sub Connectors use power or coaxial contacts solely or in combination with signal contacts. They provide an IP67 rating and up to 40A of power for applications that require higher amperage. RETENTION Retention helps the connector address pressure and vibration challenges. This retention is primarily EDAC’s 627WC Series Waterproof Power Combo D-Sub Connector Power and Signal Contacts Shown here: Power - 40A (left) and Signal - 5A. Other contacts, such as coaxial, are also available.

Exploded view of Waterproof Power Combo D-Sub Connector Assembly emphasizing some retention points.

Additional retention could be built into the D-sub through polarization manufacturing capabilities, directly impacting the insertion and withdrawal forces used when connecting the connector. Each retention mechanism contributes to the prevention of disconnect or damage in the D-sub connector system, ultimately providing the highly reliable and consistent continuity expected in harsh environment and remote location applications. SHIELDING D-sub connector shielding provides increased retention, as discussed above, and can also provide EMI protection if the correct materials are used. D-sub backshells that use specific materials work well to help prevent full exposure to electromagnetic interference (EMI). If the D-subminiature connector is part of a cable assembly, it should be paired with braided cables to increase protection against EMI. For applications that require the highest EMI protection, D-sub connector assemblies designed to MIL-STD 461 and MIL-STD 464 standards should be considered.