AdvancedTCA was developed to define next generation carrier-grade telecommunications equipment. ATCA architecture enables increased mobility and improves reliability, availability, and serviceability. The ATCA specification allows the standard to keep up with an evolving and competitive industry.

One of the latest ATCA evolutions is the PICMG 3.8 standard. PICMG 3.8 specifies Zone 3 requirements for rear transition modules in ATCA systems. The standard also addresses power, cooling, and keying issues. This addition to the family of PICMG standards supports the use of ATCA in a variety of applications outside of telecommunications.

One of the key features of PICMG 3.8 is the definition of a power and system management connector. This allows a consistent means of supporting generic system requirements, while allowing the flexibility to utilize application specific connectors as needed.

Positronic’s Scorpion connector series was chosen as the power and system management connector for the 3.8 standard. The Scorpion’s high-density packaging of miniature power contacts made it the preferred choice for this application.

The PICMG 3.8 power connector has 16 contacts rated at 3 amperes each at a maximum temperature rise of 30 degrees C; all contacts energized. Contact resistance is 6 milliohms maximum. The connector package offers blind mating capability and is only19.8 mm wide. Contact termination types include right angle solder and straight press-fit.

For more detailed information about Positronic’s Scorpion series, contact Positronic Industries at 800-641-4054 or email us.

• Scorpion Series on the web

For decades, D-subminiature connectors have been the interconnect of choice in many electronic systems. Over time, these connectors have evolved to meet changing requirements in a wide variety of applications.

In many applications, EMI/RFI shielded backshell offerings have not kept pace with requirements. These types of back shells tend to be large, bulky, and heavy. This is a problem in applications where weight reduction is a growing concern, such as the aerospace industry.

Many EMI/RFI hoods have a limited cable opening size. This creates a problem when high-density contact configurations are used. As an example, shell size 6 D-subminiature connectors offer 104 contacts. Backshells may not have a large enough cable opening to fully support the number of conductors that must be brought into the back shell. This is especially true when the cable includes twisted, shielded pairs that must be terminated inside the backshell. The industry needed an improved EMI/RFI backshell.

To meet these challenges, Positronic Industries developed a new generation back shell for D- subminiature connectors. The “A” series back shell combines a number of features that meet the needs of many of today’s most challenging requirements for EMI/RFI protection for cable connectors.

“A” Series back shell features include:
• Lightweight aluminum material with a zinc content of less then 1%, an important factor in applications restricting the use of zinc. Wall thickness provides a robust product while maintaining the goal of a lightweight back shell.
• A larger aperture and strain relief which is appropriate for high density wire bundles using twisted, shielded pairs. Cable clamps can be “spooned” to provide strain relief for smaller wire bundles. Wide form factor allows the user to easily meet bend radius requirements.
• Up to six grounding points (depending on the size of the backshell), which are sized and shaped for use with 0.250 inch diameter ring terminals. Multiple ring terminals can be stacked under each grounding screw. Ground screw holes are pre-tapped for ease of installation. Ground screw holes are tapped through the body of the backshell, providing internal or external grounding options.
• Spacious interior is shaped to facilitate wire routing inside the backshell. There are no internal obstructions toward the rear of the backshell which might prohibit wire routing or limit connector options.
• The backshell offers a thumb grip to facilitate installation and removal in tight spaces.
• Back shells are offered with jackscrews as well as a quick disconnect locking systems. Options allow locking for backshell to board, backshell to panel and backshell to backshell.
• Lightweight backshells are available with various performance levels including options for use in space flight applications.

For more detailed information about Positronic’s line of lightweight aluminum cable adapters, contact Positronic Industries at 800-641-4054 or email us.

• Lightweight aluminum cable adapters on the web

Positronic Industries is happy to announce that our SAE AS9100 certified manufacturing facility in Ponce, Puerto Rico has achieved Rev C status under AS9100.

SAE AS9100 specifications require an organization’s quality management system to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory regulatory requirements. This goal is accomplished through the effective application of the quality management system, including processes for continual improvement of the system.

Rev C of AS9100 includes a number of enhancements to the standard. Some of the key changes include:
• Incorporation of changes to ISO 9001:2008
• Change in scope to include space and defense in order to support complex systems of multiple sectors
• Modifications to ensure alignment with IAQG strategy (on-time, on-quality performance)
• Implementation of a risk management process applicable to the product and organization covering responsibility, criteria, migration, and acceptance

Aerospace and defense customers rely on continuous supplier improvement to meet ongoing challenges in these industry sectors. Positronic recognizes this need and is in process of acquiring Rev C status for its other AS9100 certified facilities, which manufacture high reliability power, D-subminiature, rectangular, and circular connectors for a wide range of applications.

For more detailed information about our SAE AS9100 certified manufacturing facility in Ponce, Puerto Rico contact Positronic Industries at 800-641-4054 or email us.

Positronic has expanded its line of hermetic products, and now offers a broad spectrum ranging from a single connector to a full array of connectors mounted on a flange. The choice is yours: mixed density, specializing in high power (up to 100 amps per pin maximum rating); high voltage; RF; circular connectors; and both standard and high density D-subminiature connectors.

Of course, no hermetic connector is complete without a full complement of feed-throughs and adapters for both inside and outside the vacuum chamber. The non-outgassing features are ideal for optics under pressure.

The latest in Positronic’s offering is the industrial non-magnetic version, ideal for medical instrumentation requiring high reliability and low magnetic permeability ratings. The high performance D-subminiature version, designed for use in highly sensitive equipment such as magnetic field detection, provides low residual magnetism properties to reduce any potential interference at the connector level.

The keying of numerous connectors mounted on a single flange or vacuum wall is easily accomplished using different combinations of standard male and female jackscrew hardware.

For more detailed information about the Hermetic connector series, contact Positronic Industries at 800-641-4054 or email us.

• Hermetic on the web

Positronic developed the Dragonfly connector series for applications requiring a compact package with an integral locking system. The newest addition to this line is a variant with three size 16 contacts, ideal for use as a power input connector in applications requiring AC/DC power.

The connector is available with removable crimp contacts for use with 12 AWG through 24 AWG wire. These solid machined contacts have a current rating of 20 amperes and a contact resistance of 0.003 ohms. Connector housings are currently available in fixed panel mount and free cable options.

Contacts are ideally spaced for use as an AC or DC input power connector. Sequential mating contacts are offered, allowing for first mate ground options.

In addition to the Dragonfly series, Positronic offers the widest variety of power connectors in the industry.

For more detailed information about the Dragonfly connector series, contact Positronic Industries at 800-641-4054 or email us.

• Dragonfly on the web