Industrial Communication Guide

2.5.2. CONNECTORS

Connector housings The main functions of the housing are to ensure the mechanical stability of the connector, protect the electrical connection, provide electric shielding and also ensure processing capability and environ- mental compatibility. Housings can be made of plastics or also metal alloys such as aluminum alloys or copper-nickel-zinc alloys.

What are connectors? Connectors are electrical components that connect two transmis- sion components to each other electrically by means of a detacha- ble contact area. The detachability of the electrical connection is a key factor here, since this enables installation of the machinery and plant at their place of use, flexibility of application, dismantling and assembly of production facilities when a change of location is re- quired, repair and service of the system components and also easier handling of the system components. Structure of connectors and material requirements Connectors consist of two main parts: the pin insert and the socket insert. These are mounted in housings. Contact area The main requirements of the detachable contact area are high elec- trical conductivity, high corrosion resistance and high mechanical wear resistance. Copper or copper alloys are mainly used for contact elements due to their electrical conductivity. Surface coatings made of silver or gold are often used to ensure corrosion protection.

CONNECTOR TECHNOLOGY TERMS Connector face

The shape of the connecting surfaces of a connector housing is re- ferred to as the connector face. There are connectors with round or rectangular connector faces, for example. In order to prevent mis- mating, connector housings with different codings can be used. The codings are applied by means of shape elements on the housings such as lugs or snap-in hooks. Pole pattern The arrangement and nature of the contacts in the plug is called the pole pattern. Defined pole patterns are used to ensure that only connectors of the same system can be joined to one another. This prevents connectors for power transmission being confused with those for data transmission, for example.

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