Harwin Provides Industry with Smallest & Most Lightweight Mixed-Layout Connectors To Date

Featuring cable, vertical & right-angle PCB versions that all support 10A current delivery

Harwin continues to extend the scope of its high-reliability (hi-rel) connector portfolio through the introduction of mixed-layout versions of the company’s popular Gecko-SL series. By complementing the data contacts with 2 or 4 power contacts (in power/data configurations of either 1+8+1 or 2+8+2), the Gecko-MT products enable significant space and weight reductions in electronic hardware. This means that they address modern system designs where major constraints can be placed on these parameters. The respective power and data current ratings are 10A and 2.8A max per contact.

The initial release comprises female and male cable connectors, plus female vertical and male right-angle PCB connector options. These components are fitted with sturdy, stainless steel screw-lok fixings (in both conventional and reversed formats), to ensure ongoing interconnect integrity in even the most challenging of application environments. They have 20G vibration and 100G shock resilience and their operational temperature range spans from -65°C to 150°C. Low outgassing properties are also exhibited.

By encompassing both data and power in a single compact and lightweight solution, Gecko-MT connectors are highly optimised for avionics, defence, space, and motorsport. Among the key target applications are robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), battery management and satellites. They are available from stock and through Harwin’s distribution network. In addition, cable assemblies can be requested for manufacture by Harwin’s in-house operations.

“By specifying Gecko-MT, engineers will be able to streamline their designs, improve size and weight profiles and reduce bill-of-materials costs by using a smaller and lower-cost component than comparable Micro-D connectors,” states John Brunt, Product Manager for High-Reliability at Harwin. “By combining together power and signal in one robust mating pair, savings can be made in both weight and space, without any compromise in performance or longevity.”