Announcing Monoplug 2.5

TE Connectivity Offering Preview of Monoplug 2.5 Connector at electronica China. The next generation female connector meeting RAST 2.5 standards is scheduled to be available August 1, 2016.

TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, introduces its new Monoplug 2.5 connector. Designed to enable easy-to-assemble, reliable solutions in a wide variety of current and future applications, the versatile Monoplug 2.5 connector meets the RAST 2.5 standard as well as the glow wire test (750 degrees Celsius, no flame) and UL 94 V-0. To further help users reduce applied cost, TE is also offering new application tooling.

TE’s Monoplug 2.5 connector is an insulation displacement connection (IDC) product that utilizes advanced features and materials. It has a comparative tracking index (CTI) of 400 volts, material class II. This female connector can be mated to PC board-mounted headers or directly to the board edge. The through-hole, one-piece design supports daisy chain or bus applications while eliminating the need for a separate cover. The connector is designed for ease of assembly when using basic bench tools, semi-automatic equipment, or highly automated harness-making machines. Its many anticipated applications include appliances, industrial equipment, commercial building equipment and automotive designs.

For easier application of the connector, TE has developed new application tooling to allow users to select a cost-effective semi-automatic insertion machine or electric-powered bench machine. The semi-automatic termination machine offers very low cycle times: only one second or less on average per line, depending on harness complexity and operator speed. Advanced motor drives are used in the machine’s IDC termination section to help users assure termination quality while lowering noise and extending the life of the system. The machine’s operator-friendly user interface permits easy selection of options. By using the machine to perform keying and selective loading of connectors, inventory and part number complexity can be reduced at the customer site.

The new electric-powered bench tool termination machine offers cycle times averaging five seconds per line (operator speed and harness complexity can impact this time). The machine offers various functions, permitting single-step or multi-step movement termination, and it incorporates a keying cutting function. The bench machine’s electric motor powered termination reduces labor and can be controlled by either a hand switch or a foot switch.

“The one-piece Monoplug 2.5 connector’s advanced design makes it appropriate for applications across many industries – from dishwashers and washer/dryers, to HVAC systems and control boards, to applications in passenger vehicles, cars and buses,” said Fulvio Calvone, product family leader for RAST connectors in TE’s Appliances business. “To help customers apply the connector in an easy and cost-effective way, we’re also making available application tooling equipment developed for this product.”

The Monoplug 2.5 connector is rated for current up to two amps, with selectively loaded models rated up to 250 volts AC and fully loaded models rated up to 50 volts. Available with two to 13 positions, it can be fully or selectively loaded. The connectors accept seven- or 12-strand wire sizes from 24 to 22 AWG with insulation ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 mm diameter. Versions capable of accommodating other wire sizes are in development. The product is offered with front keying only or front and rear keying. The Monoplug 2.5 connector will be submitted for VDE testing.