Recommendations for connectors over 50 pins (1A max) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 10:21:24 am
content: Are there any common >50 pin connectors for low current signals, 80 pin would be ideal.Ideally panel mount, but a robust PCB mount would also be ok.It's for a general purpose test jig controller. (It's only me using it so doesn't have to be super robust, but the connector will probably get 500 cycles a year)I ideally want to have all the IO on a single connector that I can easy swap out to test different products. (eg, a wire loom per product to bring out the needed signals to the product's own connector or bed of nails)A signal connector is probably not going to happen since I also need a few high current connections in the 1-10A range. That requirement will probably need a 2nd high current connector.Each product only needs like 20 connections total but when you factor in all the different types of signals needed to support all products it's around 64, even reusing where possible. And I want more than that to future proof it.Multiple smaller connectorscouldbe ok however, if they are super quick to connect/disconnect and all are keyed well to prevent being connected up wrong.There are plenty of large pin count connectors on digikey and on aliexpress but i'm not sure what standard is good value for money.Thanks.

author: Hawaka
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 10:48:54 am
content: VME backplane connector are probably what you are looking for. Very common and robust.

author: The Soulman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 11:07:03 am
content: Harting 72 or 108 pin connectors are robust and somewhat affordable, there is also a modular version that could do everything you want. (not so affordable)Other brands make compatible connectors.https://www.thomann.de/intl/search_dir.html?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoibmwiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1&smcs=987db8_4619&filter=true&pg=2&ls=25&sw=harting&category%5B%5D=KASAMN08&cme=truehttps://www.harting.com/DE/en-gb/solutions/han-modular

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 11:30:00 am
content: Hi Psi,consider "Eurocard"-connectors DIN-41612 in 64- or 96-pin.You can even stack them and can change the field-connector if it's worn out.See the photo.Or you can use "Mini-Centronics" or Wide-SCSI-cables like NI does. ;-)Good luck and best regards

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 07:46:14 pm
content: The DIN41612 is an option, but is hell to work with, because it's so tight. You'll be struggling when inserting or disconnecting it, and it's not really designed for cycled use. Eurocards mostly have extraction mechanisms for the same reason.For maximum comfort, I'd go with a "Centronics" type, using one 36-pin and one 50-pin.They're designed for repeated insertions/disconnections and don't need the user having gorilla muscles.The can't be insertted wrong in any way.Examples:https://www.tme.com/us/en-us/katalog/centronics-connectors_100037/?params=412:1443990,1443992_number-of-pins:36,50

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 08:14:30 pm
content: Normal D connectors go up to 50 pin,also 62 pins at not-silly prices :https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/products/detail/assmann-wsw-components/A-HDS-62-LL-Z/1241888

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 08:22:21 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on March 20, 2024, 08:14:30 pmYep, that would be my second option using a 50-pin and a 37-pin type.They're a bit tighter, but also mechanically smaller.Both Centronics and Sub-D are available for standard 1.27 mm (50 mils) ribbon cable, which is nice for this kind of application.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 08:45:16 pm
content: Not forgetting standard IDC connectors - up to 60 way, super cheap, easy to terminate and levers to help unlatch

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 09:24:10 pm
content: My mind went to the old DMS-59 connectors used on video cards to carry signals for two monitors but the connectors are now obsolete and probably weren't rated for more than 100 insertion cyclesexampleshttps://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/molex/0751341000/2421632orhttps://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/molex/0751341001/3044720How about some plain old RJ45 connectors without magnetics? 10 RJ45 connectors = 80 IO , you have modularity ... only plug as many as needed... you can use commercial made ethernet patch cables to boards that convert rj45 to various pinouts for boards. (ex 4 rj45 to 3x10 pin IDC headers for 3 10pin ribbon cables )

author: thermistor-guy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 11:13:11 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on March 20, 2024, 10:21:24 amFor my custom ATE jigs, I settled on DIN41612 and high-density D-sub connectors.DIN41612 64-way: panel mounted, wire-wrap termination and IDC (for twisted pair ribbon cables).HD D-sub: panel mounted, pin termination, 15 way, 50-way (normal density) and 78-way mostly used; partly because I havesome test equipment that came with D-sub connector outputs.I buy high pin-count D-sub cables from Amphenol:https://cablesondemand.com/Low pin-count cables I'll make myself.Where necessary (to save space), I make custom backshells for the D-sub connectors using thin sheet steel.These connectors have proved very reliable so far. Never had a problem.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2024, 08:31:52 am
content: Thanks.The 78-PIN (HD78) looks like an option. Combine that with a 2nd connector for 10 or so 10A power feeds and it should do everything I need and more.And being able to buy premade cables to cut up is a plus.

author: Terry Bites
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2024, 01:09:57 pm
content: Kpa these days mate

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2024, 03:30:41 pm
content: Quote from: Terry Bites on March 21, 2024, 01:09:57 pmTsk, tsk, tsk.Forgotten your Greek alphabet? And it's kPa, by the way.