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NEWS IN BRIEF
TE Connectivity launches Dynamic Series
D-2970 Push-In PCB connectors
TE Connectivity (TE) is launching the D-2970 Dynamic Series compact
wire-to-board PCB connector with field-installable, time-saving push-in
clamp termination.
The new 5mm pitch PCB connector operates at up to 20 amps and
400 volts at a typical ambient application temperature of 55°C without
further derating. It incorporates numerous features to meet strict safety
requirements. These include an audible and tactile locking latch to
ensure safe mating, a robust housing, contacts that support shock- and
vibration-exposed applications, and an IP20 “finger safe” housing that
prevents unintended operator contact with live components. The D-2970
also meets the IEC EN 61800-5 standard for adjustable speed electrical
power drive systems.
The push-in clamp and single-hand-operating center-locking lever – both
designed to require no tooling – make it possible to cut mating time by up
to 90% compared with connectors using screw-latch locking systems. The
centre-locking lever has clear tactile and audible mating feedback. Toolless
wire release is also possible, thanks to the 50% lower insertion force, which
allows users to release the wire without injuring their fingertips.
The D-2970 is available with three different angled male headers,
all mating with the same female plug, providing electronics designers
flexibility. The initial configuration has three or four positions, which will be
extended with versions with anywhere from two to 12 positions.
“This new PCB connector family is a powerful addition to our wellknown
Dynamic Series and is fully equipped to meet our customers’
high standards regarding installation and application safety, also saving
valuable process time and application space,” says Product Manager
Christian Netsch.
The D-2970 will be fully compliant with UL and IEC regulations and
extensively tested at UL and VDE certified laboratories, supporting
customer approval processes. It uses materials that conform with
regulatory requirements such as RohS and Reach, and which obtain a V-0
rating under the UL 94 flammability standard while remaining low-halogen
according to IEC EN 61249-2 (the male housing is injection molded in
LCP and the female housing is in PBT). It also meets the IEC EN 60335-1
standard for domestic home appliances.
“We can describe the goals of our development of this new connector
series in two words: safety and efficiency,” says Netsch. “The mechanical
design, as well as the chemical base of the housing materials, protects
installers and operators and allow a very time-efficient wire installation
and space-saving PCB design – finally saving cost for our customers.”
Netsch further points out that the strong locking latch allows a small
form factor with a header height of under 9mm. “Compared to other PCB
connectors with locking features in the market, the D-2970 Series can save
valuable space within the cabinet,” he notes. “It provides a width-saving
up to 26% for a two-pole connector or 13% for a six-pole connector
compared with connectors using side locking. This allows a side-stackable
PCB mounting of several headers next to each other.”
D-2970 Dynamic Flex Push-In headers are through-hole reflow capable.
They are available without the need for a pickup cap, saving waste and
are offered in box packaging. Tape and reel packaging is available by
request. The header resin is MSL 1 (Moisture Sensitivity Level) compliant,
which prevents the soldering component from absorbing any water
during shipment, storage and manufacturing, even in high humidity
environments. This allows a floor and storage life of at least two years.
TE Connectivity expects the Dynamic Series D-2970 Push-In PCB
and outlets for PLCs and servo/inverter drives, industrial micro
controls, robot control units, and controls in building automation and
household appliances. n
Ardmac acquires stake in modular builder Cental
Ardma has announced that it has taken a
significant equity investment in Cental, a leading
and fast-growth provider of advanced modular
infrastructure to the data centre, utilities and
telecoms industries. Established over five years
ago, Cental has enjoyed impressive growth to
date with annualised revenues of €20m.
With this latest strategic investment by
Ardmac, the Carlow-based business is now set
for further growth and is projecting to double its
workforce to 140 people over the next 24 months.
The announcement represents a major boost for
the local economy in such challenging times.
The combined expertise and resources resulting
from this development will enhance Ardmac’s
capabilities as a leading provider of offsite
modular solutions to its clients in the Data Centre,
Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Advanced
Manufacturing sectors, whilst opening up new
solutions for Commercial Fit-out clients.
Commenting on this latest development for
Ardmac, Ronan Quinn, CEO for the company,
said: “This investment in Cental provides Ardmac
with a reputable specialist partner, additional
manufacturing capacity and a further foothold in
the market for offsite modular construction. In
Cental, we now have that crucial manufacturing
fabrication infrastructure that provides the
expertise and capacity required to deliver
complex high value projects offsite and then
deliver them to our customer locations. We are
very excited to leverage the synergies in place
between our two companies.”
Brian McGuire CEO of Cental said: “We are
delighted to welcome Ardmac as strategic
partners. Our combined engineering and
management teams will further enhance our
already ambitious growth strategy. We look
forward to doubling our 70 strong engineering
team to deliver this growth, into new and existing
vertical and geographical markets.”
Cental’s manufacturing capability will support
Ardmac’s recently announced agreement with
US based Germfree Laboratories, to provide
prefabricated turnkey modular cleanrooms and
biosafety laboratories to the BioPharma and
Healthcare sectors throughout Europe. It also
provides a manufacturing base for all other
Ardmac modular solutions under one roof.
Ardmac’s CEO Ronan Quinn added: “The
construction ecosystem of the future will be a
more standardised, consolidated and integrated
construction process where modular assemblies
and entire modular buildings will be much more
common. Our recent transactions with Germfree
and Cental position us to be a significant provider
of such prefabricated solutions for Lifescience and
Advanced Manufacturing applications.” n
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