Metal versions of digital feed-through connectors suit demanding applications

Following the success of Cliff Electronics’ recently introduced moulded plastic digital feed-through (FT) connector series, the company has introduced a new complimentary range of metal-housed versions, offering more robust performance for industrial and instrumentation applications.

The metal feed-through connectors feature a robust nickel plated die cast mounting fascia reinforcing the high-quality performance and enhancing their appearance for panel designers.

All versions, metal and plastic, share the same performance features and provide a complete range of cost-effective audio, data, and fibre connectors, all of which may be front or rear mounted into industry standard 24mm XLR connector mounting holes. The new FT Series are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrument, control and rack panels, wall-plates, etc. simplifying the panel design and manufacture. Standard cabling can be used to connect at both front and rear, eliminating the need to solder or terminate the connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly.

The original plastic Cliff FT series has already found widespread use in a multitude of industrial and system integration applications for custom I/O solutions. Typically they have been utilised in broadcast, AV installations, systems integration, home theatre, automation, solar power and a very wide range of industrial applications.

Current connection options include USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex and Simplex), RJ45 in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), USB “gender” changers, Toslink, RCA Phono, HDMI and blanking plates. Further options will be introduced throughout 2015 including 1RU and 2RU 19” rack panels and wall-plates to simplify customised connectivity solutions.

For ease of assembly the Cliff FT Series are available with standard or countersunk mounting holes. Bezels are available in seven colours to identify the function when fitted to a control panel.

Commenting, John Hall, general manager, Cliff Electronics, said: “We are breaking new ground on price and performance with our FT series of feed-through digital XDR connectors. We are offering our customers a low cost, highly flexible and customisable solution for systems integration utilising digital connectors using the same, industry standard, XLR connector cut-out already extensively used for audio and control connections greatly simplifying control panel design and manufacture”.