Fischer Connectors, the worldwide innovator in push-pull circular connectors and cable assembly solutions, today launched an even smaller ultra-miniature connector, MiniMax 06, as an extension of its miniature high-density product range, the Fischer MiniMaxTM Series.
The MiniMax 06 connector can include up to 12 power and signal contacts in a footprint of only 10mm. This corresponds to a density factor (receptacle diameter divided by the number of contacts available in that receptacle size) of 0.83, a unique technological feature for a connector with standard 0.5mm contacts.
The new MiniMax 06 connector also includes a new unique configuration with two signal and two high-power 1.3mm contacts for applications needing 10A or more power, doubling the standard 5A current rating of the existing MiniMax product line.
MiniMax 06 is easy to use and ensures premium performance even in adverse environments. Also available as a pre-cabled solution, it is ideally suited for handheld or body-worn applications when space is limited, in such fields as defence and security, instrumentation, testing equipment, civil or military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), among many others.
With this new smaller connector, Fischer Connectors continues to drive the evolution towards combined signal and power connectors as a way of making electronics lighter and smaller. MiniMax 06 fully integrates into the ultra-miniature high-performance Fischer MiniMaxTM Series, well-known for its use in limited space and lightweight applications, and for meeting the combined needs of multiple signals and power.
Tested for high-speed protocols such as HDMI and data transfer up to 10Gb/s, the series also addresses the growing market need for higher data transmission rates.
"This product proves that miniaturisation in connectivity can be successfully implemented in rugged high-density connectivity solutions combining power and signal," explains Wim Vanheertum, MiniMax Product Manager at Fischer Connectors.
"We’ve extended our Fischer MiniMaxTM Series to address application engineers’ need to increase the performance of their miniature rugged devices. Handling more mixed signal and power connections in a unique combination of multiple contacts also means increasing flexibility for meeting specific design challenges within miniaturisation."
The Fischer MiniMaxTM Series connectors and cable assembly solutions allow design engineers to save up to 45% space and to reduce weight by up to 75% compared to standard connectors with a similar contact size. By replacing multiple connectors with only one, they pack more functionality into smaller devices, lowering the total cost of ownership.
These connectors are also rugged, with IP68 sealing (2m/24h), both mated and unmated, an unbreakable keying system, and over-molded cable assemblies. Available in three locking systems (push-pull, screw and quick-release), they are easy to connect and disconnect up to 5,000 times.
With its new smaller version, the Fischer MiniMaxTM Series now comes in two sizes, 06 and 08, with receptacles of 10mm and 12mm footprint respectively. Configurations range from four to 24 contacts.
The MiniMax 06 connector will be showcased for the first time at XPONENTIAL, the tradeshow organised by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in New Orleans from 2 to 5 May 2016, at Fischer Connectors’ booth no. 1308, and will be commercially available this summer.