High power connector with 360° EMC backshell ...

The Kona connectors are made from an aerospace-grade Aluminium 6061 alloy and the backshell prevents unwanted EMI leaking out from the connector/cable assembly into the surrounding system.

The compact and streamlined Kona connectors can carry currents of up to 60A per contact on an 8.5mm-pitch pitch and come in 2, 3 and 4 contact versions. Since their initial release in late 2020 the high-reliability components have become widely used in mission-critical applications including space, electric vehicles (EVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and robotics.

The two-part construction of the Kona backshell enables engineers to easily upgrade their existing cable assemblies with 360˚ EMC shielding. This is particularly beneficial if an EMI issue occurs late in the development process or when equipment already deployed in the field undergoes a retrofit only to reveal new EMI concerns. Board and panel mount connector options are also available to offer complete shielding.

“In situations where power connectors are situated near a DC/DC converter, such as in EV charging infrastructure for instance, the high currents being transported can cause distortion waves that will place stress on the converter,” explains Ryan Smart, VP of Product at Harwin. “By having an easy-to-assemble backshell shielding option we’ve now added an invaluable extra dimension to our Kona series offering that can address problems of this kind.”

Kona backshells feature a robust construction to ensure long-term reliability in harsh environments. Installation requires no special tools, making assembly quick and easy. Additional strain relief on the braided cable helps eliminate the risk of damage to the assembly once installed and in operation. The backshells also come nickel-plated for extra protection against corrosion and oxidization in the field.