pcb mount connectors required for automotive use - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 02:04:56 pm
content: I'm designing a control box for automotive use at 24V, I need a rugged connector system to carry 18-24 cables out of the box. I need a 90 degree PCB mounting socket and corresponding plug. 2 of my wires carry 13A but I can double up pins for that the rest are well under 0.5A, Any suggestions ?

author: nack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 02:12:13 pm
content: Something like this?http://www.te.com/catalog/feat/en/c/10874

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 02:13:57 pm
content: not really, I have only 20mm to get it in and need it to solder to the PCB

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 03:36:20 pm
content: You are going to have to reconsider space, pins or use multiple connectors. Nothing rugged with that number of pins will fit, especially if you want a price somewhere approaching sane. Amphenol makes a military D range with multiple inserts that will fit the height, but they are expensive, rugged as anything and waterproof but probably will cost double the rest of the system combined at least.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 03:38:13 pm
content: I'm currently looking at TE amp connectors similar to motherboard ones. They take up to 9.5A and should be ok, I'[m just having fun finding one supplier that suplies plug, socket AND correct pins which farnell don't despite putting incompatible pins down as suggested accessories - asshoes !

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2012, 06:24:58 pm
content: http://www.jst-mfg.com/product/detail_e.php?series=567

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 07:35:20 am
content: These are quite nice:http://www.te.com/catalog/pn/en/1-776087-2, though possibly a bit big for your application Simon. I did have a bit of trouble buying them in low quantities, though that was as few years ago, and the situation may be better now.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 07:57:22 am
content: I think I've settled for a 24 pin amp connector similar to motherboard connectors, not too expensive and reasonable rugged with the current capability i need

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 08:36:18 am
content: Quote from: Simon on October 16, 2012, 07:57:22 amLast night I was thinking of suggesting these, but I thought "Nahhh, surely he'd have thought of this by now", now I feel like an idiot AND a genius at the same time. Awesome!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 08:51:42 am
content: yea, now I need to find a supplier that can supply all the parts, both connectors and the pins, farnel can't and are recommending the wrong pins

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 09:02:40 am
content: Quote from: Simon on October 16, 2012, 07:57:22 amThis is exactly the same solution i came to when faced with the same problem. (connector for automotive module)ATX connectors are significantly cheaper and you know they will be around for a while.One thing you have to consider is what will happen if someone plugs an ATX powersupply into your unit.If you make sure the atx power-on pin doesn't get grounded then the power supply wont start up.Which is good, since it would probably blow up your device if it did.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 09:16:14 am
content: no problem there it's a custom design and they should not go plugging a power suply into it. If they do that is their stupid fault for doing something totally unrelated and stupid

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 09:29:47 am
content: Because of the size of the conductors/pins they make a very solid connector block.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:35:05 pm
content: When it came to buying cable to connect onto the 24pin ATX plugs on our device we found it cheaper to get 24core AWG18 multicore cable than 24 individual AWG18 reels.Also we couldn't even find anyone selling 24 reels in different colors, so getting multicore fixed that. We got 24 cables all colored differently and it was cheaper.The insulation ripped off real easy and we got our individual wires

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2012, 12:40:42 pm
content: Well I think ours will be white and all 20 AWG but for the power cables that will be 16 AWG

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2012, 03:00:36 pm
content: Don't bother with the AMPSeal connectors unless you get all the proper crimping tools to go with themThey are not fun to terminate... Very nice weatherproof connectors though.Posting in epic 8day stale thread...

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2012, 03:23:26 pm
content: do you mean a different type of connector or the same with seals ? the ones i choose do have seals available that go on the standard holders but we'll not bother.

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2012, 09:46:56 am
content: Quote from: metalphreak on October 24, 2012, 03:00:36 pmAgreed. Is there some sort of special jig for lining up the pins or something? When I did them, I had a hand crimper for fittings the pins to the wires, but the hardest part was closing the plastic locking piece once the pins were in the housing. You had to get all the contacts aligned exactly before it would lock, and I seem to recall that something bad happened if you pushed the wires through too far.