RS Components introduces smart versions of robust and environmentally sealed circular connectors from Bulgin
Devices integrate small programmable memory to indicate secure and correct connection in data monitoring applications
RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, has announced availability of a new programmable version of the well-known 4000 series of environmentally sealed circular connectors from Bulgin. Rated to meet different levels of prevention against dust and water ingress, including the IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69K standards, the 4000 series of miniature connectors targets use in a wide range of data monitoring applications located in harsh external environments.
Typical applications include: deployment in agricultural monitoring systems to improve farming processes and efficiency; use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in the subsea sector for the oil and gas industry; use with automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras for road safety and national security strategies across Europe; or to connect up pumps, lights, cables and control modules in fountains and other water-based public displays for special events and exhibitions, for example.
The 4000 series now offers versions with smart programmability via the use of an embedded memory in the form of an integrated EEPROM chip. These programmable interconnection solutions can be connected to a central station in a remote data-monitoring application, for example, and enable the reading of information specifically concerning a connected sensor. While the smart connector has not been designed to read actual data output from the sensor, it enables engineers or technicians to quickly identify issues such as an incorrect connection to a sensor.
The 4000 series offers compact and versatile 19.1mm-diameter circular connectors with a robust construction made from UL94V0-rated flame-retardant materials, together with a quick-turn bayonet coupling mechanism, which enables a secure connection with the need for specialist tools. Delivering high performance, the environmentally sealed connectors are also ideal for applications where space is at a premium. The 4000 series is capable of carrying a variety of voltages and currents and includes 4-, 6- and 8-pole devices with 5A, 125V ratings or 10 and 12-pole units with 1A, 50V ratings.
The programmable Bulgin 4000 series of circular connectors in now shipping in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.