This week’s Blog, a guide to D-Type Connectors, is brought to you in association with MBS Components (http://www.mbs-components.com/) who are the UK’s leading connector & accessories distributor.
If you are designing or making cable assemblies at some point you will have to decide which hood you are going to use. There are many options available and this simple guide will help you to decide which is best for your particular application.
Firstly, let’s look at the basic hoods that are available:
Plastic-
Metallised Plastic-
Die-Cast Metal-
Now let us look at these different types of hoods in more detail, and show how they will affect the cable performance.
Plastic Hoods:
These are the low cost option, with many different designs available depending on the type of application. However, there is generally a choice between standard two-part hoods or the one-part “snap together” hoods for rapid assembly. If cost is a factor then plastic hoods are your first option.
Metallised Plastic Hoods:
As the plastic hoods offer low cost, Metallised is an excellent option if EMC shielding is required. In addition to this, you can benefit from the lower cost of the hood while getting higher performance. However, one important note is that Metallised Hoods are no substitute for the robust Die-Cast metal hoods, so be careful not to penny-pinch if there is any doubt that the Metallised Hoods will not be strong enough.
Die-Cast Metal Hoods:
These are the most robust and reliable hoods with more options than the plastic hoods. The main two benefits of the Die-Cast hoods are EMC Shielding and better cable retention. A great example is the clamping mechanism, available in metal hoods, which offers better cable retention for bigger cables or for environments where the cables will be subjected to movement.
The next thing to consider is what thumb screws to use. Most standard hoods come with UNC 4-40 Thumb screws however, there are others available such as M2.5. For most designs, though, the choice is long thumb screws or short thumb screws:
The next consideration is cable retention type. There is the cable clamp for a secure tight cable attachment and there is the grommet for general use. Both have their benefits however, the cable clamp is for making sure the cable is firmly fixed in place, while the grommets are for creating a better aesthetic on the cable exit.
If you are unsure of what type of hood is best for your application then you need to speak to the experts – and there are no better experts than MBS Components. They are the connector experts and will help you to select the best connector for your cables.
I hope this simple guide has been helpful and good luck with your new Cable Assembly Designs!
A Blog on D-Type Connector Hoods
This week’s Blog, a guide to D-Type Connectors, is brought to you in association with MBS Components (http://www.mbs-components.com/) who are the UK’s leading connector & accessories distributor.
If you are designing or making cable assemblies at some point you will have to decide which hood you are going to use. There are many options available and this simple guide will help you to decide which is best for your particular application.
Firstly, let’s look at the basic hoods that are available:
Plastic-
Metallised Plastic-
Die-Cast Metal-
Now let us look at these different types of hoods in more detail, and show how they will affect the cable performance.
Plastic Hoods:
These are the low cost option, with many different designs available depending on the type of application. However, there is generally a choice between standard two-part hoods or the one-part “snap together” hoods for rapid assembly. If cost is a factor then plastic hoods are your first option.
Metallised Plastic Hoods:
As the plastic hoods offer low cost, Metallised is an excellent option if EMC shielding is required. In addition to this, you can benefit from the lower cost of the hood while getting higher performance. However, one important note is that Metallised Hoods are no substitute for the robust Die-Cast metal hoods, so be careful not to penny-pinch if there is any doubt that the Metallised Hoods will not be strong enough.
Die-Cast Metal Hoods:
These are the most robust and reliable hoods with more options than the plastic hoods. The main two benefits of the Die-Cast hoods are EMC Shielding and better cable retention. A great example is the clamping mechanism, available in metal hoods, which offers better cable retention for bigger cables or for environments where the cables will be subjected to movement.
The next thing to consider is what thumb screws to use. Most standard hoods come with UNC 4-40 Thumb screws however, there are others available such as M2.5. For most designs, though, the choice is long thumb screws or short thumb screws:
The next consideration is cable retention type. There is the cable clamp for a secure tight cable attachment and there is the grommet for general use. Both have their benefits however, the cable clamp is for making sure the cable is firmly fixed in place, while the grommets are for creating a better aesthetic on the cable exit.
If you are unsure of what type of hood is best for your application then you need to speak to the experts – and there are no better experts than MBS Components. They are the connector experts and will help you to select the best connector for your cables.
I hope this simple guide has been helpful and good luck with your new Cable Assembly Designs!
Nicab blog
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