Jacketed cables – A profile

Jacketed cables are a safe and convenient way to connect the various components inside the computers. 

With several components in the computers that are arranged in a compact case, there is always a likelihood that they will come into contact with each other. 

This could result in malfunctioning because each component is sensitive in nature.

Technicians avoid this by protecting them with the jacketed cables. The smaller size of the components and the close constellation do not permit individual cables to each component. 

Subsequently, there will be a number of cables in a jacketed cable that enables the technician to connect the components with each other for a smooth functioning of the computer.

Only a small portion of the cables are exposed and they are safely soldered to the components to ensure that there are no exposed ends.

The jacketed cables can save a great deal of time and, with standard colour coding of cables enabling the technicians to connect them to components with precision, they are valued particularly highly within the electronics components industry.

Jacketed cables are compact in nature, which also helps in reducing the space required inside the computer to connect them. 

With any complex piece of machinery that encompasses a large amount of components, it is important to consider the most effective way to protect them.

 

Challenger Components

For extra details on electronic components and in order to see the vast range of connectors which are available, visit www.challengercomponents.com

Challenger Components Ltd offer electronic components from a variety of trusted and established brands such as 3M, Amphenol and ebm-papst.

All of these companies have a proud reputation for quality and efficiency within the electronics manufacturing industry.

 

 

 

Electronic Connectors – A brief guide

There are numerous types of electronic connectors available on the UK market, all of which perform different functions for different environments.

Elastomeric Connectors

Elastomeric connectors, for example, require no force to insert them to their required position. They also differ from regular connectors in that they do not require soldering.

They could be classed as a very specific type of connector, and are particularly good for use within harsh environments.

Due to their flexibility, these unique connectors excel in shock and anti-vibration applications.

The connectors are composed of alternating layers of conductive and nonconductive silicone rubber.

This type of rubber ages well so the connectors do not need to be replaced often – the rubber also provides chemical stability and electrical reliability.

Silicone rubber also provides good performance for preventing shocks and vibrations from affecting the electrical conduction.

Hybrid and Blade Connectors

Hybrid connectors and blade connectors are two of the most important electrical connectors available within the electronics manufacturing industry.

Both of these connectors have a range of important uses within the industry. Below, we have compiled a brief but informative profile on two of the most versatile and reliable connector types available on the current market.

Challenger Components

Challenger Components are specialists in the connector manufacturing industry, with 50 years worth of experience in supplying relevant and quality electronic components to buyers.

They supply Input and Output Connectors, Backplane Connectors, Board to Board Connectors, Wire to Board Connectors, Wire to Wire Connectors, Storage Interconnects, IC Sockets, and many more.

They also provide cable assemblies and products for static control and cooling solutions.

For more information on the full range of products available, visit www.challengercomponents.com 

 

UK Business Minister heralds importance of electronics to economic recovery

Mark Prisk, the UK Business Minister, has hailed the importance of the UK electronics manufacturing industry in the gradual recovery of the British economy as a whole.

“Electronics is involved in every part of the economy, from consumer goods to farming. It makes cars more reliable, aircraft safer and data movement faster,” stated Prisk as he attended an electronics exhibition last week.

“There is massive potential for growth in the sector and the UK is uniquely placed in Europe to take full advantage of that. We have 40% of the European market in electronics system design, nearly a third of Europe’s silicone design companies and we are the home to Europe’s largest concentration of electronic system design houses,” continued Prisk.

The positive bulletin on the future of the UK electronics manufacturing sector follows more recent upbeat comments.

Phil Inness, Chairman of the Electronic Manufacturing Services Association (EMSA), feels that the UK contract electronics market is probably worth approximately £1.4 billion a year.

“The market is in pretty good shape and is certainly growing in excess of 5% a year,” claimed Inness.

One particular reason for this might be the demand which continues to be generated by the aerospace sector.

A recent report suggests that aerospace remains one of the most important manufacturing sectors for the entire UK electronics industry.

Manufacturing contributes approximately 18% of the UK’s GDP, with aerospace being one of the main reasons for this.

The sector’s annual turnover is rated at approximately £22 billion, with export business accounting for 70% of that turnover.

Figures like this emphasis the link between the importance of a flourishing aerospace sector and the UK electronics industry.

Leading electronics manufacturers

Challenger Components have over 50 years of experience in connector products and a variety of additional electrical components. They also work alongside a number of leading brand names within the electronics manufacturing industry such as Amphenol, Nicomatic and 3M.

For full details of all the products available from manufacturers such as those named above, contact www.challengercomponents.com

 

 

The importance of static auditing

Static auditing is a process which involves assessing a production facility’s overall electrical performance. The long-term aim of the process is to identify any faults in the system which could affect the electrical current or required performance of the machines they are connected to.

It is important that any threats to the performance of a machine are identified as quickly and as early as possible.

Any major issues can put a strain on other electrical currents and make the whole mechanism less efficient.

An auditor will check the system by looking primarily for static areas (where the electricity is at rest).

Static electricity usually caused when there is an imbalance between non-conductive insulators of electricity, becoming negatively or positively charged. Static control introduces a number of measures to help prevent this.

Removing or neutralising static electricity is a common method of static control, as well as ensuring the electrics are well grounded so this acts as buffer.

Static electricity discharge can be highly dangerous in industries dealing with flammable substances.

If a small electrical spark occurred here then this has the potential to ignite explosives mixtures.

Seeking professional advice to help you implement static control apparatus prevents the need to get someone in to regularly check the electrical conduction. This can save you money and time in the process, something which any business regardless of its size will appreciate.

Challenger Components have technical personnel who provide training following a pre-audit assessment of their system.  

Alternatively, they can help implement new devices to passively safeguard the work space from electrostatic discharge – protecting the instruments, and the employees from a potentially dangerous outcome.

For additional details on static auditing and its potential relevance to you, your products and potentially your business, visit www.challengercomponents.com

Three Uses of Halogen Free Cables

Halogen free cables are an integral component designed to offer users increased safety and protection. Used within a range of industries as well as inside our homes, these components are multi-purposeful and efficient.

Why halogen free?

All cables are enclosed within a plastic casing and plastics which contain halogen can be dangerous when exposed to high temperatures and heat, such as in fires. This is because the materials release a poisonous gas in these instances. If this gas comes into contact with water then hydrochloric acid is formed – making the situation extremely volatile and dangerous for those involved.

For this reasons, halogen free cables are becoming a standard component in a number of industries but especially those which are widely connected with the general public. This makes the uses of these types of cable extremely varied and diverse.

Uses of halogen free cables

• Rail travel: both rail and aircraft travel and construction use halogen free cables. The added safety benefits make this an essential component, helping to ensure the public are protected. As electrical fires and other faults can arise on these machines, using cables which will not exasperate the situation is vital.

• Public buildings: as these will be frequented by a number of individuals on a regular basis, ensuring public safety is paramount. For this reason, halogen free cables are often used as they can reduce the risk of damage in the event of a fire. These buildings will often have an extensive supply of cables and leads and therefore investing in these products is highly important.

• Electricals: the fast majority of electrical items will be connected via cables and leads and, therefore, the potential for damaging effects occurring during fires is high. Using halogen free cables for these products will reduce this risk and will help to lower the dangers posed to individuals. As these devices will be found throughout personal homes, places of work and public areas it is vital that they use the safest possible cables.

For further details regarding halogen free cables, visit www.challengercomponents.com

Electronic component manufacturing within China set for huge boost

Average revenue growth is expected to grow by 11.2% per year over the course of the next five years within the electronic components manufacturing industry in China.

IBISWorld, America’s largest publisher of industry research, have made the claim based on future projections. If true, the figures will provide a significant boost to the electronics manufacturing industry throughout the globe.

Total industry revenue is expected to reach $268.82 billion in 2016. This would represent a sustained period of growth for the industry and would be great new for manufacturers of components such as connectors and semiconductors all over the world.

Hybrid Connectors

One of the products which might be set to receive a significant boost is hybrid connectors.

Hybrid connectors are one of the most durable and efficient electrical connectors on the market.

They are modular, which essentially means they tend to be very useful for simplifying assembly, repair and future modifications.

They are also very effective in reducing equipment installation time as they help to reduce the amount of individual cable and connector assemblies.

Probably the most unique feature of hybrid connectors is the fact that they have housings.

This allows for the intermixing of many connector types including power connectors, radio frequency connectors and USB connectors. They really are one of the most durable and versatile type of connectors available throughout the entire industry.

Leading connector manufacturers

Challenger Components have over 50 years of experience in connector products and a variety of additional electrical components. They also work alongside a number of leading brand names within the electronics manufacturing industry such as Amphenol, Nicomatic and 3M.

For full details of all the products available from manufacturers such as those named above, as well as numerous other established brand names, contact www.challengercomponents.com

 

Amphenol introduce new HelioLug component

Amphenol have introduced the new HelioLug, the first grounding lug that meets specific requirements of the solar industry.

A grounding lug is a component for solar modules and solar racking systems, allowing easy termination to the grounding wire.

The HelioLug has a deliberately versatile design and can be used for commercial or utility scale installations, as well as residential installations.

As one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world, Amphenol recently made a big impact on the the electronics industry by introducing their Helios H4 connector.

The Helios H4 is used mainly to connect solar panels and inverters. It is Ro-HS compliant and uses a simple locking tool for easy unmating in the field.

It is also worth noting that it is a dual-rated connector that meets NEC 2008 without the need for extra locking collars and locking sleeves. This cost-effective interconnect uses Amphenol’s patented RADSOK technology.

The primary features of the Helios H4 include;

-Highest current rating in the industry

-Quick and easy secure snap lock mating

-Low contact resistance which means low power loss

The Helios H4 has recently been described as the only connector which consistently displays a very low contact resistance, achieving a rating of 1.7 for the field-assembled unit and 1.9 for the factory-assembled connector from Photon, the Solar Power magazine.

 

Global leaders in interconnect products

Amphenol are established as one of the global leaders in interconnect systems and have received global recognition for their specific work within the military and aerospace sectors.

Amphenol are renowned for designing, manufacturing and marketing electrical and fibre optic connectors, as well as interconnect systems.

The HelioLug, the new high density BNC solution and the Amphe PPC Connector are all examples of important contributions which the company have made to the electronics manufacturing industry recently.

For details on additional products available from Amphenol, as well as those available from a number of other leading brands including Nicomatic and ebm-papst, visit www.challengercomponents.com