HIROSE DF62 Wire-to-Wire Connectors

[thermionic]

Hi,
Has anyone tried these connectors in a signal application? They are available with gold plating and rate up to around 3A. Suggested wire thickness is 0.75-1.5mm.

These could answer a lot of issues for me in signal routing between modules where I want to link mutliple PCBs. I can't see any drawbacks. Has anyone tried them?

TIA

 

[thermionic]

Sorry - didn't post the link in earlier post: http://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-48545/l/df62-series-slim-in-line-wire-to-wire-connectors

??

They're needed for an application that requires high reliability, which is why I'm trying to get info before fitting them. If no one here has experience with these connectors, maybe you can recommend other makes?

 

[Andy Peters]

They're needed for an application that requires high reliability, which is why I'm trying to get info before fitting them. If no one here has experience with these connectors, maybe you can recommend other makes?

Hirose is generally good stuff. You should get some samples in hand to get an idea of how they feel. I'm sure that electrically they're more than fine for your needs.
-a

 

[thermionic]

Update

Got a selection delivered today. Unlike Molex KK and similar, you really can't use these without the official insertion tool, there is just no play either side of the pins.  They didn't like my crimp tool, either. The official one is 300 GBP.

In truth, the connectors do not inspire confidence. Although I do not have the tool, the pins just didn't give much feedback as to how well seated they were in the housing. The female was ok in this regard, but the male mushy at best.

For non-critical duties such as lighting and general duties I'm sure they're fine. For something going to an important client that your reputation depends on, my suspicion is that it's back to the drawing board.

 

[Andy Peters]

Update

Got a selection delivered today. Unlike Molex KK and similar, you really can't use these without the official insertion tool, there is just no play either side of the pins.  They didn't like my crimp tool, either. The official one is 300 GBP.

In truth, the connectors do not inspire confidence. Although I do not have the tool, the pins just didn't give much feedback as to how well seated they were in the housing. The female was ok in this regard, but the male mushy at best.

The official tools really matter. At the day job we use Hirose and Lemo connectors, and we have the branded crimp and insertion/removal tools. I suppose that's the price you have to pay to play in this league.

 

[Rochey]

Are the standard KK connectors (or their jst equivalents) really that bad?

A good crimper should be enough if you aren't constantly plugging and unplugging.

 

[thermionic]

Hi Rochey,
I use KK daily. The issue here is that I need to connect vertical layers of circuitry. So, either I use pin-headers or wire-to-wire conns. Headers aren't an option (I use them for this purpose on other projects)  due to mechanical constraints, so it's w-w conns. These Hirose connectors are not the usual quality that I associate the firm with - there is a little slack (inherent in design, nothing to do with tooling) and the  conns do not strike me as particularly precise.

I realise Molex have w-w options similar to the KK. I find that KK improve robustness the more poles you use per conn. I agree that KK are fine as long as you don't need to undo them often. If it's a set and forget situation, they're fine.

 

[Andy Peters]

The issue here is that I need to connect vertical layers of circuitry. So, either I use pin-headers or wire-to-wire conns. Headers aren't an option (I use them for this purpose on other projects)  due to mechanical constraints, so it's w-w conns.

I am trying, and failing, to visualize the mechanical package. "vertical layers of circuitry" sounds like two boards stacked on top of (parallel to) each other. Are you saying you have the wires go out the ends and fold over to the other board?

These Hirose connectors are not the usual quality that I associate the firm with - there is a little slack (inherent in design, nothing to do with tooling) and the  conns do not strike me as particularly precise.

Good to know.