In the latest development for its innovative IEC Lock range, Scolmore has announced the launch of new compact C13 Panel Mounts, which will allow an increased number of outlets to be housed within a PDU (Power Distribution Unit).

The new products have been designed to enhance the IEC Lock panel accessories offer, with 1 Tier, 2 Tier and 3 Tier C13 IEC Lock Panel Mounts now available in a smaller, more compact size.

The panel mounts feature optional locking tabs that are positioned on the right side as standard. They are built with a 1.5mm panel thickness and feature 6.3mm terminals, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity.

The refined, space-saving design of these new panel mounts makes them more installation-friendly. They can accommodate a diverse range of application needs and provide installers with a comprehensive solution that can be adapted to their specific requirements.

More information can be found on the IEC Lock website, which showcases the entire range.

Legrand UK & Ireland has expanded its Cablofil range with the launch of Cablobend, a flexible and configurable product that improves the steel wire cable tray installation process.

Cablobend allows for quick changes in cable direction and minimises the need for cutting or additional materials. It offers ease of use, enabling installers to easily create bends, drops and configurations by hand.

Available in three heights and widths between 100mm and 600mm, Cablobend is compatible with Fasclic+ and standard Cablofil lengths, ensuring it can seamlessly integrate into existing installations.
Designed to meet the needs of diverse settings, such as data centres, renewable energy plants and food processing environments, Cablobend ensures quick, safe and flexible installations, without the need for specialised tools. The range also comes in four finishes, including 304 L stainless steel, 316 L stainless steel, electrozinc plated and pre-galvanised zinc aluminium coating.

The inclusion of Cablofil’s T-shaped welded safety edge and rounded steel wires makes Cablobend even safer to use both during installation and when pulling cables into or out of position.

Cablobend’s simple to use design reduces labour time, costs and material wastage, making it an ideal solution for contractors working on projects with tight deadlines or specific technical demands.

Mark Williams, Lead Marketing Manager – Cable Management at Legrand UK & Ireland, says, “Speed and safety are the twin lodestars of anyone in our industry, so we created Cablobend to help maximise both. It can be quickly adjusted by hand, saving time and cost, all the while making it possible for contractors to provide safe and reliable cable management that is easily customised to best serve each individual project.

With their 500V testing compatibility and advanced charging technology, BG Electrical’s SuperFast USB sockets, are a real stand out in the market. Recently crowned ECN Wiring Accessories Product of the Year 2024, these award-winning sockets are engineered to meet the evolving needs of contractors and end-users alike.
500V testing compatibility

With safety the cornerstone of every electrical installation, BG’s SuperFast USB sockets go above and beyond by meeting 500V insulation testing standards, as defined by BS1363-2. And, unlike many other USB Sockets on the market, BG’s 500V testing compatibility means they do not need to be removed from the circuit during insulation resistance tests, saving time and simplifying the testing process.  
 
Providing peace of mind knowing installations are built to withstand the demands of modern electrical systems even in commercial or high-traffic environments where power fluctuations are common, BG SuperFast USB socket’s 500V testing compatibility provides an additional layer of assurance that sets these sockets apart from their competitors.
Quick and easy installation

Beyond safety, BG’s SuperFast USB Sockets are designed to make the installation process as efficient as possible. Offering compatibility with a standard 25mm backbox eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming modifications during retrofit projects. With features like angled, in-line colour-coded terminals and captive screws, these sockets ensure a fast, hassle-free installation experience, whilst the twin-earth terminals further support high-integrity circuits, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
Advanced charging technology

As device power demands grow, BG’s SuperFast USB sockets keep pace with the latest charging standards. Available in SuperFast 22W and 45W with USB-C and USB-A ports, the sockets support advanced protocols like Programmable Power Supply (PPS), Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) providing:  

    Fast charging for laptops, tablets and smartphones
    Compatibility with future high-power devices
    Optimised charging patterns for battery protection and longevity
    Automatic standby mode once devices are fully charged

The use of Variable Voltage Technology ensures efficient and safe charging, while backward compatibility allows older devices to charge seamlessly alongside modern ones.
Style and versatility

Available in over 10 finishes across five versatile ranges, including the 800 and 900 Series White Moulded ranges with antimicrobial protection, BG’s USB sockets complement any interior style. Decorative options in the Nexus Metal, Evolve and Flatplate ranges include finishes such as Brushed Steel, Polished Chrome, Matt Black and Antique Brass, offering a stylish solution for any setting.
The contractors’ choice

For electrical contractors, the choice of components can significantly impact both the installation process and long-term client satisfaction. BG Electrical’s SuperFast USB Sockets deliver:

    Enhanced safety through 500V testing compatibility
    Retrofit-friendly design for quick installations
    Advanced charging capabilities for modern and future devices
    Aesthetic versatility to match any décor

By prioritising quality and innovation, BG Electrical provides contractors with a reliable, forward-thinking solution that minimises callbacks and maximises customer satisfaction.

Hirose Electric Americas has added a surface-mount version to its low-profile DF51K wire-to-board connector series. The new DF51K SMT Series is compatible with automated assembly processes, including pick-and-place machines, which simplifies the assembly process. It also saves manufacturing time and cost, the company said.

Key specifications of the 2.0-mm pitch DF51K power connector series include a rated voltage of 650-V AC/DC, support up to 3 A and an operating temperature of -55°C to 105°C. The SMT connector also features a center lock design for high-density mounting on the PCB, which also is reported to prevent damage during cable assembly and to ensure secure mating.

In addition, the positive lock provides a clear tactile click and enables users to recognize reverse mating, while preventing mechanical interference, the company said.

The DF51K Series, part of the SignalBee connector family, is available in a wide range of options, including straight/right-angle, SMT/THT, single/double row and gold/tin plating versions. Connector widths available include 6.6, 7.35, 7.7, 8.75, 9.35, 9.7, 10.15, 11.9, 12.0 and 12.05 mm and heights of 6.3, 6.6, 8.4, 8.75, 9.1, 9.7 mm.

These connectors can be used in a broad range of products, including industrial machinery, medical equipment, office equipment, robotics and smart meters. The connectors are UL and C-UL certified.

Samtec, Inc. has launched its Generate series of high-speed edge-card connectors that support 64 Gbits/PAM4 (32 Gbits/s NRZ), are PCIe 6.0 capable and meet CXL 3.0 requirements for high-speed connectivity. The new HSEC6-DV Series can be used as the interconnect between the motherboard and add-in cards in PCIe 6.0 AI hardware designs, Samtec said.

The HSEC6-DV is rated at 240 VAC and the current rating is 1.92 A with two pins energized. The socket series is compliant to SFF-TA-1002 ×4 (1C), ×8 (2C) and ×16 (4C and 4C+). The edge-card socket strip is available with 28, 42, 70 and 84 positions per row, and mates with 1.60-mm (.062-inch) thick cards.

The HSEC6-DV’s Edge Rate contacts, in a differential pair configuration on a 0.60-mm pitch, are optimized for signal integrity performance and high cycle life.

The series offers optional weld tabs for extra mechanical strength of the connector to the PCB. The connectors are RoHS compliant, lead-free solderable.

Mating edge-card cable assemblies (GC6 Series) are available in 28, 42 and 70 positions. They are also PCIe 6.0 compatible and support 64 Gbits/s PAM4 (32 Gbits/s NRZ) applications. The cable is 34-AWG Samtec Eye Speed ultra-low-skew twinax. The cable assemblies are standard with 100-ohm differential pair signal routing.

Samtec offers a full-line of Generate high-speed edge-card connectors, rated up to 56 Gbits/s PAM4, on 0.80- and 1.00-mm centerline, with a range of configurations. They are available in vertical, right-angle, edge mount and pass-through orientations and offer power/signal combos, with press-fit tails, locks and latches.

Amphenol Socapex has developed a ruggedized USB Type-C connector, based on the MIL-DTL-38999 series III standard. The new USB3CFTV is designed to withstand harsh environments and demanding applications such as military communications, military planes, aerospace, commercial air and naval applications. It can be used in a range of data, power delivery and video configurations.

The USB3CFTV addresses the need for harsh environment applications that need the flexibility of a USB Type-C connector. The connector features a Tri-start thread coupling mechanism that ensures resistance to shocks, vibration and cable traction. It also features a high level of sealing protection from external fluids and dust exposure, up to IP68.

The connector’s shell size 11 and shock, vibration and traction resistance make it durable in demanding applications, said the company. It features 500 mating plug/receptacle cycles and operates over the temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

The connector is fully reversible, which allows for bi-directional power capabilities, and it is compatible with USB 3.2 specifications. It features a power supply of up to 100 W (20 V/5 A) for demanding power requirements and supports data transmission of up to 1 meter.

The USB3CFTV connector also provides enhanced EMI protection and is available in a range of materials and coatings  that are compliant with a variety of environmental regulations. This makes it suitable for use in applications such as extreme temperatures and harsh chemical environments.

The USB3CFTV connector is now available from Amphenol Socapex and its authorized distributors. For more information, watch the USB3CFTV video.

Kyocera AVX has expanded its 9155-800 Series of  vertical-mate, 2.0-mm-pitch battery connectors with the addition of new seven- and eight-position models, extending the line from two to eight positions. The new series targets applications that need higher signal and current capabilities and it is compatible with both signal and power circuits.

These battery connectors are rated for 125 VAC or the DC equivalent and 1.5 A or 2 A, depending on the number of positions (five to eight and two to four, respectively). The operating temperature range extends from -40°C to 125°C. They are suited for industrial, medical and consumer electronics markets. These include handheld and portable devices that require docking or cradling, such as charging stations, patient monitoring devices, industrial devices with pluggable or programmable modules and internet equipment with battery backups.

The 9155-800 Series battery connectors use a unique contact geometry that deflects cleanly when a module, mating connector or PCB is vertically pushed into position, said Kyocera AVX, enabling full vertical engagement in pluggable modules without the risk of contact damage.

While traditional battery connectors require users to engage the contacts before rotating the mating module or PCB into position to prevent contact damage, the 9155-800 Series does not and allows mating from any angle without inadvertently damaging the contacts, the company said.

Both the sweeping beam contact design and an anti-snag feature protect the contacts from damage during deflection as well as when static. The gold-plated beryllium copper (BeCu) contacts are reported to offer “excellent” electrical and mechanical performance for more than 5,000 mating cycles.

In addition, the connectors feature plastic locating bosses and SMT anchor tabs that contribute to mechanical stability of the connector in high-shock and vibration environments. Other features include flame-retardant (UL94 V-0) black, glass-filled Nylon 46 insulators, BeCu contacts with either 0.4 µm or 0.8 µm of selective gold-over-nickel plating and pure tin tails.

The 9155-800 Series vertical-mate battery connectors are RoHS compliant and shipped in quantities of 1,000 on 330-mm-diameter reels. The series is available through distributors Digi-Key and Mouser.

Belden Inc. has introduced four new products and updates to its connector, cable management and network management suite that are designed to improve network connectivity and uptime in rugged environments. These include expansions to the OptiTuff line and PROVIZE network planning, commissioning and management suite as well as a new connector and I/O module from Lumberg Automation.

Data acquisition and transmission interconnects

The OptiTuff connectivity and cable management options add support for new field-termination connectivity for the mini fiber cables. The line provides easy installation and compatibility with the FX Fusion splice-on connector and FX ECX patch panel system.

The new Lumberg Automation M12 circular connector automotive line can withstand harsh environments, thanks to its new polyurethane (PUR) construction, which prevents damage caused by welding sparks, crushing and shearing. It is reported to tolerate higher heat and pressure than standard PVC or silicone connectors.

Earlier this year, Belden also added a 4-channel SMPTE cable in riser and plenum versions. This multi-channel hybrid cable allows four cameras to be connected in a single installed cable. Also added to the portfolio are VFD cable glands that allow explosion-proof or general-purpose ingress of VFD cables into enclosures and devices. They can be used for all types of unarmored tray cables, flexible cables and cords even in harsh industrial environments.

Data orchestration and management solutions

The PROVIZE network planning, commissioning and management suite was updated to simplify MRP configuration for redundant ring topologies to prevent network disruptions. It also includes improvements to the user interface and enhanced integration that enables users to move between the PROVIZE Planner and Explorer easier.

Both Explorer and Planner were recently added to the PROVIZE portfolio. The Explorer enables device commissioning by assigning management IP addresses and credentials. The Planner allows users to collect requirements, build and validate intent-based networks and automatically create and export bills of materials listing recommended equipment.

The new Lumberg Automation LioN-X digital I/O modules offer integration in PLC and cloud environments, making them a good fit for almost all industrial applications, said Belden. They provide fast configuration, data transfer and data security for automation applications using digital sensors and actuators.

Cinch Connectivity Solutions, a Bel group company, recently launched the Johnson mmWave angled 30-degree RF connector family across four product lines: SMA, 2.92 mm, 2.4 mm and 1.85 mm. The Johnson RF coax connectors, with high-frequency performance up to 67 GHz, deliver high signal integrity for a variety of applications and markets.

Thanks to their “excellent” return loss and insertion loss, these mmWave connectors can be used in demanding environments, such as for satellite communication equipment, GPS and phased array antennas, radar systems, automated test equipment and remote monitoring communication.

The 30-degree solderless connector jack family is suited for small enclosures and tight space constraints. “Angled connectors solve the challenges of stress to the minimum bend radius of the mating cable assembly,” said Cinch.

The frequency range for the 30-degree angled connectors are: 67 GHz for the 1.85 mm, 50 GHz for the 2.4 mm, 40 GHz for the 2.92mm and 26.5 GHz for the SMA.

These PCB-mounted RF connectors feature a gold-plated beryllium copper body and gold-plated contacts. They are rated to 500 mating cycles. The VSWR performance ratings are 1.35 max from DC to 67 GHz and 1.30 max from 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz.

The 30-degree angled RF connectors are available now. They can be purchased through Cinch’s distribution network: Digi-Key, Farnell, Mouser and Newark.

Molex has expanded its Open Compute Project (OCP) solutions with the launch of the KickStart Connector System for cabled boot drives. The all-in-one system is touted as the first OCP-compliant connector system that combines low-speed and high-speed signals and power circuits into a single cable assembly for data-center servers. The new system, developed in collaboration with OCP members, eliminates the need for multiple components, optimizes space and eases upgrades by offering a standardized approach for boot-drive peripheral connections, according to the company.

Targeting OCP-based servers, data centers, white box servers and storage systems, the integrated signal and power connector system is a standardized small form factor (SFF) TA-1036 cable assembly that complies with OCP’s Data Center Modular Hardware System (DC-MHS) specification. It is recommended in OCP’s M-PIC specification for cable-optimized, boot-peripheral connectors.

Molex said Kickstart is the only OCP-recommended internal I/O connectivity solution for boot-drive applications, which addresses storage-signal speeds. The system meets PCIe Gen 5 signal speeds, with data transfer rates up to 32 Gbps NRZ, with planned support for PCIe Gen 6.

Kickstart aligns with the form factor and mechanical structure of Molex’s OCP-recommended NearStack PCIe Connector System. Both systems offer a mated profile height of 11.10 mm, which is reported to deliver improved space optimization, increased airflow management and reduced interference with other components. The mated height of 11.10 mm meets the OCP’s maximum spec of 11.30 mm.

Samples are available for evaluation. Molex is showcasing its latest OCP-recommended and OCP-compliant connectivity solutions, including the KickStart Connector System at the OCP Global Summit, October 17-19, in Booth B1. The company will also host informative sessions and demos.