Season 2 - Episode #2 - An insight into connector technology

With the introduction of the Kona series, Harwin has significantly raised the power levels that its product portfolio can support. These 8.5mm pitch connectors’ contacts are capable of delivering 60A of current. This means that applications such as battery charging can be addressed without having to split the current across multiple contacts. Among the key applications targeted are electric vehicle battery monitoring/management, power control systems, robotics drives, servo controls, UAVs and satellites.

Kona contacts are arranged in a single row, with 2, 3 and 4 contact versions available. The current carrying capacity is such that very little PCB space is used as less contacts are needed to deliver the current. The mating pair consists of a male vertical through-board connector with board mount fixings, plus a female cable connector which will accommodate 8AWG gauge cables.

Harwin’s mate-before-lock mechanism prevents any damage occurring during the locking process ensuring the mating elements are fully aligned first. Thanks to shrouding on each contact and a fully polarized construction, mis-mating is not a possibility. Kona connectors have a 250 mating cycle lifespan. Use of stainless steel thumbscrews, which are fitted to the female connector element, means fixing is simple. No tools are required which maximises user convenience. The inclusion of a contact indicator makes certain that the connector elements are correctly oriented.