Through a collaboration with PolyPhaser | Transtector, a sister organization within Smiths Interconnect, protection against the higher energy transients associated with a primary lightning strike or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can now be integrated within Hypertac connectors. This approach ensures a high energy pulse will not enter the main body of equipment but instead will be stopped at the chassis wall, enhancing equipment reliability and maintainability in military and aerospace applications.
Transient-protected connectors traditionally use diode technology to shield sensitive circuitry from the energy surges associated with secondary lightning and EMP effects. The energy levels these diodes can safely absorb are limited by the power rating of the diodes currently available. For the highest transient levels (such direct lightning strikes as defined within level five of RTCA D160 Section 22, or primary EMP effects) even more robust energy protection capabilities are needed. By combining discreet and proprietary technologies, and developing circuits that are matched to the signal types to be protected, Hypertac has now applied the protection experience of PolyPhaser | Transtector to integrate significant new levels of power and signal protection into a variety of its interconnect products.
Signal types such as power (AC/DC), high speed digital data, and radio frequency (RF) can be integrated and protected against high energy transients from direct lightning strikes and EMP pulses ranging from standard EMP to high altitude (HEMP) and non nuclear (NNEMP)—all within the Hypertac connector. Connector types available as both filtered and with enhanced transient protection include rectangular styles such as ARINC 600, circular styles such as 38999, and D-Sub styles.
Hypertac’s transient-protected connectors will also use Hypertac’s hyperboloid socket contact technology providing superior fretting, signal integrity, insertion force and mating cycle performance.
“It is these types of interdisciplinary efforts that allow us to give customers a competitive advantage,” said Ralph Phillips, President of Smiths Interconnect. “We can draw from the breadth of products and expertise amongst the connectors, microwave and protection technologies of our businesses to engineer a unique and ideal solution for our customers.” Phillips added, “In this case, higher customer expectations and severe application requirements have helped drive new levels of integrated product solutions between Hypertac and PolyPhaser | Transtector.”
ABOUT HYPERTAC
Hypertac, a part of Smiths Interconnect, is a leading supplier of high reliability, high performance interconnect solutions and electrical/electronic connectors. The company has particular expertise in the rapid development of innovative interconnect solutions for applications in military, aerospace, industrial, mass transit, test & measurement and medical electronics markets.
The Hypertac range includes printed circuit board connectors, modular, rectangular, filtered ARINC and circular connectors. Hypertac connectors achieve outstanding performance through the use of patented Hyperboloid contacts an advanced design that satisfies the most demanding performance requirements by providing high reliability, a high number of mating cycles, shock and vibration immunity, low contact resistance and low insertion and extraction force.
ABOUT POLYPHASER | TRANSTECTOR
PolyPhaser | Transtector, part of the Protection Technology Group of Smiths Interconnect, has over 40 years of experience in the science of power and signal integrity solutions. As the industry leader in surge protection, PolyPhaser | Transtector provides expertise in consulting, design and manufacturing of RF, AC, DC, data and signal surge protection, communications power cabinets, EMP protection and power quality engineering services. Working across the organization, the group provides valuable end-to-end power and signal integrity solutions for markets that include telecommunications, medical imaging, transportation, energy, security and the military.
ABOUT SMITHS INTERCONNECT
Smiths Interconnect, www.smithsinterconnect.com, is a leader in technically differentiated electronic and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical systems for the wireless telecommunications, aerospace, defence, medical, rail, test and industrial markets. It is part of Smiths Group, www.smiths.com, a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.