Connectors remain watertight at high pressures

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 12, 2007

The UTO range of connectors remains watertight at depths of up to 10m and during high-pressure cleaning operations at 140 bar.

The UTO range is suitable for applications in many fields, including robotics, process control, handling equipment, automation and industrial motors, railways, traffic control and supervision, CCTV systems, medical instrumentation, water treatment plants, light and sound, and all other outdoor or indoor applications that require long-term reliability and service.

One of the main strengths of the UTO series is the environmental seal it provides, meeting IP68 or IP69K standards.

This ensures that the connector remains watertight at depths of up to 10m and during high-pressure cleaning operations at 140 bar.

The seal is dynamic, which means that it is preserved even when the cable is pulled in all directions.

This is ensured by a locking system that keeps the seals under constant pressure.

Another strength is its mechanical and environmental robustness.

Having a rugged nickel-plated aluminium outer shell means that UTO connectors stand up very well to shock and vibration (MIL-STD202) and can be used at temperatures ranging from -40C to 105C.

UTO connectors are resistant to salt spray (up to 200 hours) and to UV radiation, and are flame retardant in accordance with UL94-V0.

The bayonet locking system used to securely and reliably connect plug and receptacle connectors together is fast and easy to use, requiring just a 1/3 turn.

It has an audible click that can also be felt when the connectors are fully engaged and is able to withstand up to 500 mating cycles.

The UTO range has been designed to provide the best levels of mechanical and environmental sturdiness at the lowest possible costs, thanks to a design that minimises the number of production processes.

UTO connectors can also be used for Category 5 Ethernet transmission (100 megabytes per second) in sealed, reinforced sheathing.

There are also UTO versions for broadband category 7 applications (1 gigabyte per second) thanks to the integration of quadrax contacts.

With its high bandwidth and excellent resistance to harsh environments, the UTO range represents an excellent solution for installing Ethernet networks in harsh environments, even at equipment interfaces which often require enhanced reliability.

UTO connectors are part of the Trim Trio modular range.

They are available with machined, stamped and formed, co-ax, power or fibre optic contacts.

The UTO range is available in eight shell sizes with 3 to 48 size 16 contacts (1.6 mm) and 6 to 61 size 20 contacts.

It complies with UL and RoHS regulations, and takes maximum current levels of 7.5A in size 20 and 13A in size 16.

Trim Trio contacts are easy and highly economical to fit, because the work can be done using industry standard automatic crimping equipment.

UTO connectors are also available in a printed circuit version, with a locknut for assembly on panels.

Many other applications are in development, in particular, the integration of RJ45 and USB interfaces, and contacts that can be terminated to wire without tools.

Moreover, other projects are under study to develop monomode coaxial and fibre optics solutions for 3G mobile telephony relay stations.