Twister Pair Connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TillMundy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 01:05:13 pm
content: Hello all, I am currently working on a test unit for some students. Inside the test unit there is a differential ADC. I want to run the differential pair out of the chassis so they can connect it to their device.I can't for the life of me figure out a good twisted pair through panel connector. I thought about using BNC and using a twisted pair instead of coax but I don't think that's a perfect solution. My other consideration was M12 connectors. But they are a bit on the pricey side. And if I put USB on it they will all plug their phones in.Any suggestions would be great!

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 01:31:09 pm
content: You forgot to specify 1) clock speed 2) how many pairs needed each direction 3) power required or not.You may consider SATA, eSATA. - Connectors and cables are dirt cheap. Sturdier and more plug/unplug cycles solution would be HDMI sockets/cables. In any case you shall design it fail-safe way that nothing bad happens to misconnected devices (monitor, PC, HDD). Those are high speed LVDS *data* connectors. OP mentioned USB- that's why I initially assumed that it is about twisted pair, thus high speed data.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 01:40:38 pm
content: What about a simple 1/8" stereo phono plug? Not ideal but cheap.https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/cui-inc/SP-3501/CP-3502-ND/96987

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 01:59:17 pm
content: Quote from: MarkF on February 14, 2019, 01:40:38 pmIn case of low speed differential analog signals - excellent choice. No need to manufacture cables, they are widely available. There's again danger that someone will connect his earphones or mobile phone and damage it. Note that ADC with differential input does not require twisted pair. Two coax cables may be used as well.

author: vealmike
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 02:08:55 pm
content: RJ45 Ethernet connector?Easy to buy a lead with four diff pairs ready to go.

author: TillMundy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 02:53:45 pm
content: :Ah yes. Clock speed is 10khz and there is no power

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 03:52:22 pm
content: Quote from: TillMundy on February 14, 2019, 02:53:45 pmThen virtually any connector will be ok in case of two coax cables running from source to ADC. Treat it as stereo audio connection. You may consider stereo RCA sockets/cables as well:https://www.amazon.com/PHILIPS-PH62102-Audio-Stereo-Patch/dp/B0001GAOEK

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 04:04:16 pm
content: RJ 11 - up to 6 wires, used in phones , so you can buy cheap crimping tools, cheap ready made cablesRJ45 - ethernet, easy to find, easy to crimp , or you can buy premade 1m,3m,5m lengths, twisted pairs etcRCA ... two wires, can't really go wrong with it, just takes more spaceTRS (regular mono audio plug)

author: TillMundy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 05:27:34 pm
content: Seems RCA jack is the best solution. The audio jack would be the best but I am trying to student proof the design. I doubt any students are carrying around any RCA cables. Thanks!

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 05:35:50 pm
content: You could use a large 1/4" stereo phono plug if you want a shield. I doubt they would have a large headphone plug either.Just a thought... Would a set of earbuds really hurt the inputs of an ADC? And, it seems unlikely they would try to connect their cell phone audio to it.

author: duak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 05:47:44 pm
content: XLR connectors are used for pro sound systems and are pretty tough.Mini XLRs are also available and are or were used in PCs for audio and interface applications. Not as tough as the bigger XLRs.I remember in high school electronics the test speaker had a NEMA 5-15 plug on it. I hear tell that someone plugged it into their color organ (all the rage in the 70s) to do some basic research. The speaker was supposed to have made a loud but short brapp noise then ejected some smoking confetti. I could have predicted the results.Cheers,

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 03:49:11 am
content: I have used D-connectors in similar circumstances.

author: TheNewLab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2019, 03:36:17 am
content: I like the D-connector idea.could isolate the connection with one of those Arduino-like addon boards. the type that are $2 or so just the chip and solder points for the input and output. couple bucks, slow boat from China.?Then it doesn't matter what type of connector to "cell-phone safe" the connector.