New front-access hybrid plug-in connector simplifies interconnection

Hirose has enhanced its industrial power connector family with the new PS3F Series of low-profile, front-access hybrid connector that allows mating / un-mating of power and signal cables from the plug-in side and eliminates the need for on-site cable wiring. Access from the mating side simplifies cable assembly, installation and maintenance. The PS3F Series is suitable for battery energy storage systems (BESS), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and industrial machinery installed close to walls or other machines that have little clearance behind the equipment. Industry applications include battery energy storage containers, data centres, and server farms. The hybrid PS3F Series' power contacts support up to 100 Amps with rated voltage to 1000 AC/DC. The signal contacts support up to 1 Amp per contact, and interface with two of Hirose's GT8E connectors, utilizing one eight and 10 position connector (18 signal lines total). The power contact structure utilizes a highly reliable clip design with bellows contacts. This blade contact structure features multiple contact points to reduce contact resistance and allow high current carrying capability. The signal lines can be configured in a daisy chain for a serial connection system, says the company. "The PS3F connector's plug-in design eliminates on-site cable wiring, not only reducing installation and maintenance time, but more importantly reducing worker exposure to electrical lines," said Rick van Weezel, vice-president of sales and marketing, Hirose Electric USA. "The PS3F Series connector also provides finger protection during assembly that meets IP2X requirements, further ensuring worker safety." The PS3F connector features a slim design achieved by employing a unique blade contact that supports mounting to a standard 1U rack. The hybrid connector utilizes a floating structure in which the connector can adjust for misalignment during mating in X and Y directions up to +/-2.5mm. This system supports blind mating for a quick and easy plug-in connection. The PS3F Series is RoHS-compliant, with an operating temperature covering a range of -40C to +105C, a rated power voltage of 1000V AC/DC and rated signal voltage 250VAC/DC. The rated power contact resistance is 0.3mohm and rated signal contact resistance is 60m ohms, with an insulation resistance of 5000Mohm minimum at 250VDC.