The Kona high-power connector series is designed for mission-critical applications and engineered with aerospace-grade aluminium for optimal electrical efficiency.
Harwin, a connector solutions provider, has launched the Kona high-power connector series equipped with backshells. Crafted from the premium aerospace-grade Aluminium 6061 alloy, these backshells are designed to inhibit the escape of undesired Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from the connector/cable assembly, ensuring protection for the adjacent system. The dual-component design of the backshells allows technicians to effortlessly enhance their cable assemblies with comprehensive 360˚ Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) shielding. This feature is invaluable when confronting EMI challenges late in the design phase or retrofitting field-deployed equipment that unveils unexpected EMI issues. Additionally, board and panel mount connector choices ensure thorough shielding. The connectors have found their place in critical missions, ranging from New Space and electric vehicles (EVs) to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics.
The company claims that 8.5mm-pitch connectors can handle hefty currents, up to 60A per contact, and are available in 2, 3, and 4-contact configurations. The choice of Beryllium Copper for the contact material enhances its durability and widens its temperature range, making it operational from -65°C to +150°C. With an 8.5mm pitch, the connector can handle up to 3,000V without a flashover. Safety is further emphasised with individually shrouded contacts that feature a recessed design, effectively preventing accidental touch. Moreover, its user-friendly design incorporates thumbscrew mate-before-lock fixings for effortless utilisation.
Some of the technical details of the high-power connector series include:
- Current: 60A max per contact
- Working Voltage: 1,500V DC or AC peak
- Maximum Voltage (sea level): 3,000V AC for 1 minute
- Maximum Voltage (altitude): 500V AC for 1 minute at 70,000ft/21km/44 mbar
- Contact Resistance: 2mΩ max
- Insulation Resistance: 10GΩ min at 1,000V
- Operating Temperature: -65°C to +150°C
- Humidity Classification: 96 hours at 90-95% RH
- Vibration (with fixings): 10-2,000Hz, 1.52mm, 196m/s² (20G), 12 hours total
- Shock (with fixings): 981m/s² (100G) for 6ms
“In situations where power connectors are situated near a DC/DC converter, such as in EV charging infrastructure, for instance, the high currents being transported can cause distortion waves that will place stress on the converter,” explains Ryan Smart, VP of Product at Harwin. “By having an easy-to-assemble backshell shielding option, we’ve added an invaluable extra dimension to our Kona series offering that can address problems of this kind.”
