Fischer Connectors has been designing, manufacturing and distributing high-performance connectors and cable-assembly solutions for more than 60 years. Known for their reliability, precision and resistance to harsh, demanding environments, Fischer Connectors' products are commonly used in fields requiring faultless quality. Its smaller, lighter connectors provide high flexibility, density and data transmission rates.
Application engineers are under increasing pressure to deliver 'more with less', and are therefore seeking innovative connectivity solutions that improve performance and increase flexibility, to meet the industry's ever-changing needs. Recent trends in connectivity include miniaturisation, higher density and higher data transmission rates over long distances. The key to success lies in packing more functionality into smaller, lighter devices without compromising on ruggedness or performance.
Defence and security organisations around the world are striving to lighten soldiers' loads to help them become more agile and effective in their operations. To address these new needs, Fischer Connectors has launched miniature, lightweight, rugged connectivity solutions that are easy to use and ensure premium performance, especially in harsh environments.
Rugged miniaturisation
Flexibility is a significant element to consider, as it enables application engineers to design different configurations to provide maximum value. High flexibility actually consists in the ability to choose the connector size, or the number of power and signal contacts; select over-moulding to meet specific requirements; or replace multiple connectors with just one.
Using miniature components additionally makes devices more compact, saving space and weight. Fischer Connectors' smaller ultra-miniature connector can include up to 12 power and signal contacts in a footprint of just 10mm. This corresponds to a density factor of 0.83 – a unique technological feature for a connector with standard 0.5mm contacts. It also includes a new unique configuration with two signal and two high-power 1.3mm contacts for applications needing 10A or more power, doubling the 5A current rating of the existing product line. The wide choice of components and configuration possibilities facilitates design.
Despite their small size, the Fischer MiniMax Series connectors are extremely rugged, with IP68 (2m/24h) sealing (mated and unmated), an unbreakable keying system and over-moulded cable assemblies. Push-pull, screw and quick-release locking systems make them easy to connect and disconnect over 5,000 times. They can transfer data at a speed of up to 10Gb/s. In 2017, the MiniMax series was extended to include a new dedicated USB 3.0 contact block in the 08 size. In 2018, the MiniMax product line was further extended with high-speed AWG24 Ethernet data transfer and enhanced with IP68 sealing down to 20m/24h. The result of these innovations is exceptional performance in a very small connector, addressing the growing need for higher data transmission in such markets as medical, unmanned vehicles, industrial, instrumentation, and defense – to name only a few. Therefore, miniaturisation not only helps lighten loads, but also increases flexibility, safety, endurance, performance and usability.
Fischer Freedom Series: easy mating, easy cleaning, easy integration
Available from June 2018, the Fischer Freedom Series offers breakthrough plug and use connectivity solutions that are easy to use and integrate. These innovative solutions meet design engineers' urgent needs for designing and connecting portable and body-worn applications quickly and easily – for example cameras, radio systems, sensors, light, GPS, tablets, night-vision goggles, exoskeletons, as well as switches, hubs and batteries. With its first product, the Fischer LP360 connector, the Fischer Freedom Series facilitates integration, maximises usability and optimises cable management for a wide variety of applications within markets such as: defense, security, medical, industrial and civil engineering.
Optical performance and data transfer
When premium optical performance is needed, connectivity solutions must guarantee high-quality optics, total reliability and the efficient transfer of large amounts of data over long distances. Users also value ease of use, cleaning and maintenance, all of which minimise downtime and allow them to focus on their goals.
Fischer Connectors' new single-fibre-optic connector addresses design engineers' needs for greater flexibility and efficiency, and users' needs for improved usability and portability. This smaller product has been designed to be even lighter and more flexible so that it is easy to integrate into existing solutions, saving customers time and money.
Fischer Connectors also ensures efficiency by making this new connector available in preconfigured reels or integrated into custom assemblies. Other features and benefits that make this solution ideal for varied defence and security applications include:
- UPC and APC polishing to reduce insertion and return losses, making devices more secure
- IP68 sealing to protect devices
- push-pull locking system for easy mating and unmating
- a removable sleeve holder (monobloc mate adapter) for easy cleaning.
The innovation drive in miniaturisation and data transmission also concerns the miniature, lightweight and extremely tough Fischer Rugged Flash Drive, available with 2.0 and 3.0 high speed and up to 128 GB memory size, specially designed for the safe transportation and storage of sensitive data in harsh environments. It is IP68 sealed (even unmated), it resists corrosion, vibration, shock and extreme temperatures, and thanks to the unique proprietary Fischer Connectors' circular connector interface combined with a durable encapsulation technique, it guarantees data security in case of loss or theft.