Choosing a Connector Accessory

We also offer our free online Cable Design Tool. With this tool you can graphically design your custom cable assembly by using either our built-in library of standard cable sets or create them from scratch. 

Be Careful on Compatibility

You can choose to purchase accessories on the open market or from us. However, some types of connectors (for example, 200 pin LFH and 96-way micro D) have various models available that are not always mechanically compatible. Some of the connectors/accessories we use (such as DIN 160 pin) may have been modified in some way to fit the restrictions imposed by the PXI format on the front panel space. 

Standard and density and a half D Type connectors are usually trouble-free as long as the correct type of connector is purchased.

If in doubt, contact your local Pickering sales office for advice. We always guarantee that the parts we provide as accessories will be compatible.

Choosing the Right Accessory

We can supply a number of different types of connection solutions:

• Connectors. Simple mating connectors that can provide a method for integrators to wire to a part that mates with the front panel connector of the selected device. These are ideal for systems where low purchase cost is required, and labor is available to undertake the wiring operation. Some connectors are provided with backshells to protect the connecting wires and can give backshells with different exit directions. The direction of the exits can make wiring easier to manage by guiding the cable bundles in the direction required for the connection to the test system. It can also influence the clearance distance needed between the front panel of the switching system and any doors that might be used in a rack to protect the test system. We can also provide prototyping PCB mating connectors to add to your system development.

Connector example, 8 pin Power D Type connector with backshell

• Cable Assemblies. We offer a range of cable assemblies with a mating connector on either one or both ends. Cables can also be made available to convert between one connector style and another - for example, converting between a high-density connector suitable for use on the front of PXI or PCI modules or LXI switching systems and 50-way Ribbon Cable connectors. We can also provide options on the direction the cable exits from the connector housing.

 

40-971-096 96-pin Micro D to ribbon cable header

• Terminal Blocks. A terminal block provides an interface between a mating connector and a set of screw operated terminals using a rising cage mechanism designed to minimize cable breakage or fraying. The use of breakout boxes simplifies the wiring operation to the cable, and the breakout includes an effective cable grip to ensure connections are not stressed. Most breakout boxes are provided with a complete metal enclosure to protect the wiring and cable termination. Breakout boxes are typically designed for use in applications below 200V, for higher voltage applications cable assembly based solutions are recommended.
  
  

Breakout box includes screw terminals for users to simply connect their own cables to the module connector

Modules can be used with cable assemblies to link them to breakout boxes

• DIN Fuse Holders and Terminals. To help complete your system cabling requirements, Pickering provides a complete range of DIN fuse blocks and terminals.

Preserving Switching System Functionality

General-purpose cabling solutions may not preserve the characteristics of a particular switching product. Products such as 40-736 Data Communications Multiplexer are designed to switch Ethernet signals, and these can only be carried on controlled differential pairs. The product pinout requires the use of customized interfaces if the functionality is to be preserved. Standard cables will provide a mechanically correct solution to interfacing, but not an interface that is suited for carrying the intended electrical signals. For these types of switching systems, more customized solutions are required. For the 40-736 mentioned above, we offer an interface that preserves the switching system characteristics and presents a set of Ethernet RJ45 connections to the user.