MDUAL power connectors for high-reliability military and industrial uses introduced by Methode
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – Methode Power Solutions Group in Rolling Meadows, Ill., is introducing the MDUAL two-position, high-power, blind mate powerconnectors with halogen-free housings conforming to RoHS-3 for high-reliability military and industrial applications.
The MDUAL comes in three pin sizes, 6.4, 9.1, and 12.7 millimeters with current capability to 265 amps. The self-aligning housings enable blind mating and include a polarity key.
The patented PowerBud technology lowers contact resistance and contact normal force without increasing connector size. In addition, MDUAL connectors typically withstand 10,000 mating-unmating cycles without performance degradation.
The halogen-free plastic housings are RoHS 3 compliant, which can eliminate the need for user's future material changes or validation testing.
Related: Military and commercial requirements start to blend at the connector level
The PowerBud technology was originally pioneered by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor and graduate students investigating tribology, the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion, including friction, lubrication and wear.
The researchers developed a prototype power connector with massively parallel points of contact which exhibited qualities compared to conventional, commercial power connectors. Their connector had low contact resistance as well as low insertion force without a commensurate connector volume increase.
Methode acquired the technology in 2008 and focused on making the remarkable connector more manufacturable. The result was the PowerBud, an evolution of the original design with massively parallel points of contact, but using a mechanical design that is adaptable to mass production.
For more information contact Methode Power Solutions Group online at www.methode.com.
Ready to make a purchase? Search the Military & Aerospace Electronics Buyer's Guide for companies, new products, press releases, and videos
