INNOVATIVE INTERCONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS EMMA ASHTON, MARKETING MANAGER, COAX CONNECTORS LTD
A wide range of application and design factors must be considered when choosing interconnectivity solutions for use in harsh environments. It is vital to fully understand where the connectors or cable assemblies will be used and take into account environmental temperature, vibration and shock, potential for exposure to water and dirt, access restrictions, hazardous or corrosive substances in the operating environment, and associated cable assembly needs. Carefully evaluate these requirements to identify exactly what is needed, whether that be an off-the-shelf product or bespoke designs. A thorough review reduces the potential for costly under- or over-specification.
presented by changes in temperature. Anti-piston or anti-rifling connectors with a two-part contact design allow the center conductor to slide within the connector where expansion and contraction of the cable center conductor due to temperature changes occurs.
HOW CONNECTOR DESIGN ACCOMMODATES CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE
CONNECTOR MATERIALS AND LOCKING MECHANISMS HELP ABSORB ENVIRONMENTAL SHOCK AND VIBRATION Materials also affect a connector’s ability to handle environmental shock and vibration. Conditions can negatively impact signal transmission quality by causing connectors to come loose or even disconnect, resulting in partial or total signal loss. RF connectors made with stronger base materials, such as stainless steel, generally permit rougher handling TNC Straight Plug with Easy Fit Anti-Piston Contact features a two-part design that accommodates expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations.
Harsh environments can include temperature extremes. Fluctuations in temperature affect connectors and freezing or melting parts present serious problems for the functionality of the entire application. Connector materials that are not able to withstand temperature extremes may suffer cracking or damage. Changes in temperature can also cause connector and cable materials to expand and contract, affecting connector mating integrity and system performance. Clever connector design can, however, overcome some of the challenges
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