Connecting in smart agriculture.

The growth in world population is placing increased demands on agricultural production. This is one of the major challenges of modern agriculture, now in the midst of major transformation. Now that "intelligent" and connected equipment is becoming available on the market, answers to these needs are now within reach, while at the same time addressing environmental concerns.

Real-time analysis of land and crops, the use of drones and geolocation systems, the implementation of software in agricultural equipment and greenhouse cultivation lead to new operational methods and the development and introduction of new devices and hence a need for connectivity. Souriau has been active in the agricultural sector for more than 20 years by providing its customers around the world with complete interconnection systems for harsh environments, continuously adapted to market evolutions.

Alexandre Lagrange, Industrial Product Manager at Souriau explains: "The agricultural equipment market is currently undergoing a major transformation. Agriculture is more and more globalized but despite its intensive development, it is learning to be more judicious (as with integrated farming) and aware of ecological concerns. It is in this transformation that smart agriculture is relevant because it allows the analysis of needs, the optimization of crops and the improvement of yields, for example in the area of lighting for greenhouse crops (indoor cultivation) which is now a booming market".

It has been this need to continuously increase production and productivity which has led to the development of lamps that are increasingly intelligent and sophisticated. With new technologies such as horticultural LED bulbs that can provide variable spectra depending on the plant's growth stage and consume less energy, agricultural lighting has seen an increase in activity and encouraging results in terms of sustainable cultivation.

Another example of resource adjustment are intelligent irrigation systems, capable of carefully calibrating the amount of water required. Intelligent sensors are distributed and precisely geolocated in the fields to detect and report soil quality.

The connector requirements for these indoor or outdoor applications nevertheless have common characteristics. Souriau industrial connectors such as the UTS and UTL ranges (designed and qualified to the UL1977 and IEC61984 standards) are ideal for these environments. These products are resistant to extreme temperature variations, from -40°C to +105°C, bad weather (IP68 and IP69K) and UV (no mechanical alteration confirmed after 5 years of exposure).

Thanks to their suitably-chosen materials, these ranges of plastic connectors for harsh environments are not affected by regular spraying h fertilizer and pesticides. And with their user-friendly, robust locking systems among other things, they offer ease of use combined with a service life of 250 cycles. These series also feature built-in ease of use thanks to a product design suited to either overmoulded applications or standard installations.

Drones and intelligent agricultural machinery
As intelligent machines for agriculture develop, technical requirements may also evolve. For example, these could be vehicles with advanced assistance systems for weed detection, that require a high-speed data connection to transfer HD video to the control centre. For these types of application, it will be essential to be able to count not just on high speed data transfer, but also signal protection. The metal connectors of the JBX series or Souriau's UT0 series provide excellent signal shielding and guarantee 360° continuity. Souriau also offers overmoulded cables for all its connectors to afford even better protection of the system in terms of waterproofing and robustness.

Souriau offers the micro38999 series of connectors, specially designed to be integrated in drones. Their compact size and low mass make them ideal for applications with space and weight constraints, while the coupling mechanism derived from the MIL-DTL-38999 military standard is capable of withstanding high levels of shock and vibration without any impact on performance.

#agriculture @SouriauSunbank 

Adapting production processes to REACH.

The European REACH regulation, which aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment, imposes strict rules on the use of chemical substances. In order to protect employees in its production sites in Champagné and Marolles en Brie (F), Souriau is making changes to its production processes in response to these new regulatory constraints and at the request of its customers. Olivier Cresson, Hygiene,Safety and Environment manager at Souriau's Champagné site, talks about the challenges of compliance with the REACH regulation and the steps taken to radically transform an essential part of the production line.

Olivier Cresson

Could you summarise what REACH is all about?
OC: To protect human health and the environment without harming the competitiveness of industry, Europe adopted the REACH regulation in 2006 which aims to identify all the chemical substances used in Europe, evaluate their hazard class and to authorize or prohibit their use. The European chemical agency (ECHA) was then founded, and put in charge of the application of this new regulation called REACH.

What has been the impact of this regulation on Souriau?
OC: Our company is impacted by this regulation because we use hexavalent chromium for electroplating our connector housings. However, because the regulation applies only in Europe, it doesn't apply to our American or Asian competitors, who expect products of the same quality, with or without hexavalent chromium. So we had to rapidly deploy industrial processes which comply with this new constraint, in a concerted effort with our suppliers in the chemical industry and with the users of our products.

The deadline seems a bit short, wouldn't you agree?
OC: Actually, it was in 2006 that the European agency first asked these manufacturers to make a list of all the products by November 30, 2010, starting with the largest tonnages of the most dangerous substances and then followed by the intermediate tonnages. By the end of May 2018, the small tonnages were evaluated and it had a global view of all the chemical products used in Europe, both in terms of quantity and their hazard class.

Doesn't this regulation apply only to the product as such?
OC: No, in a product sold to the general consumer or for an industrial process, several factors must be taken into account; tonnage, hazard class, application domain, etc. And although the substances themselves have to be examined, it's important to also take into account how they are distributed. The greater the quantity and the wider the distribution of a chemical product, the greater the risk that it will be prohibited. To give a concrete example, a lipstick, the ink in a pen or a paint sold in the consumer market do not represent the same level of risk for the population and environment as the electroplating of connectors in an enclosed system.

What is the relationship between electroplating and hexavalent chromium?
OC: Electroplating is a surface treatment which protects the connector housings, insures electrical continuity and gives them the finished appearance that our customers expect. Hexavalent chromium is used in the so-called passivation process to facilitate the adherence of the protective coating on the composite connectors. The finished product is stable and non-leaching. Nevertheless the use of hexavalent chromium was prohibited in manufacturing processes since September 2017.

How far have you got in your research for meeting the ECHA requirements?

OC: As soon as the ban on hexavalent chromium was announced, the research and development teams of Souriau started to work on replacement solutions. The work is complete for composite connectors because a new process, released into production, has been accepted by our customers. But for other connector manufacturing processes, compromises are necessary, and our R&D teams are still looking for replacement solutions.

It must be an enormous task for each manufacturer...
OC: All our European competitors who manufacture connectors were naturally faced with the same issue, so we formed a consortium and asked the ECHA to authorize us to use hexavalent chromium for a few more years. This delay was really essential in order to have enough time to put the new processes into place, get them released internally and qualified by our customers. The ECHA was well aware of the difficulties and that by allowing this delay we could avoid relocating factories abroad or losing markets not just in Europe but all over the world. By authorizing us to use this substance in our manufacturing processes, the ECHA made it possible to keep our R&D, know-how and production jobs in France and in Europe, with skilled personnel who now are working together every day to find a replacement for hexavalent chromium.

Are there some changes in your company visible already?
OC: Our factory in Champagné plant has been certified ISO 14001 since 2001 and has a highly modern electroplating workshop equipped with a ventilation system which changes the air out every eight minutes. The air passes through cleaning towers which treat all the effluents. The residual wastes are treated by a specialized company. Souriau is a global supplier of connectors for harsh environments; we manufacture 13 million connectors annually and use approximately 8 tons of hexavalent chromium. This consumption is currently being reduced by 50% due to the change in the industrial process.

And what will be the consequences over the long term?
OC: REACH is having a major impact on the industrial base, necessitating major investments in R&D to maintain conformity with the standards on one hand while on the other minimizing the impact on the electroplating process. Thanks to these efforts, we now have replacement solutions for hexavalent chromium but we need more time to validate them. The decision taken by ECHA will allow us to continue to advance in the market our connectors for harsh environments while still preserving our manufacturing base in France.

• See also interview "Interview: REACHing for safety." (15/10/2018)

@SouriauSunbank #PAuto @EU_ECHA

Interview: REACHing for safety.

The European REACH regulation, which aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment, imposes strict rules on the use of chemical substances. Hexavalent chromium used in the surface treatment of numerous Souriau products is one of the prohibited substances.

Thomas Pichot

In order to keep its technical leadership in connectors for harsh environments and to continue to further innovate together with its customers, the research and development department of the company has invested for several years in research into new manufacturing processes. When completed, these should allow it to comply with the regulations imposed by REACH, and at the same time safeguard the employment of its personnel in France for the future.

This interview with Thomas Pichot, manager of the aeronautic R & D Unit outlines their philosophy and solutions to comply.

Could you describe the use of hexavalent chromium in your industry? TP: We design and manufacture electrical or optical connectors used in harsh environments, for aerospace, aeronautic, military and industrial applications. The housings and the accessories of our connectors are made of composite materials, aluminium or steel, and we have been using hexavalent chromium for decades in our electroplating process. This substance is used to give our products the anticorrosive properties, electrical continuity and appearance our customers want. Because hexavalent chromium is on the list of prohibited chemical substances, we are working to replace it. Is it possible to replace one product by another? TP: Yes of course, but it takes time. In fact, it's not just that we have a perfect mastery of the use of hexavalent chromium in the treatment of different materials such as aluminium, copper alloys or even certain thermoplastics, but the properties of these products are still far superior to what it is possible to achieve with other substances. So the difficulty is twofold; to make sure that it's possible to deploy the substitute on an industrial scale, and that it allows us to obtain the required performance. For example, in certain cases we use hexavalent chromium to facilitate the adherence to other coatings on the support material. So we will have to qualify a product which offers the same functional characteristics while still allowing us to incorporate it in a controlled manner in our manufacturing procedures. Finally, we have to keep in mind that in other cases hexavalent chromium is used in the final stages of the process and therefore persists on the surface. If we replace it, we have to make sure that the new connectors are compatible with the connectors already in the field, because they may be in contact with each other. It's possible but it's a really complex challenge, wouldn't you agree? TP: In fact, as of now we don't have just one replacement solution, because chrome is not always used for the same purpose; it depends on the materials and the final treatment. Our approach has been to categorize our connector components according to their material, identify the electrochemical mechanisms in play and carry out a large number of tests at different stages from the bath to the pilot production line, orienting our research towards multiple solutions. So what is the current status of your research? TP: We no longer use hexavalent chromium in the treatment of composite housings. First of all, we perform a tribofinishing process to modify the surface properties and allow our new preparation treatment (hexavalent chrome-free) to facilitate the adherence of the successive metallic coatings. For aluminium connectors, we have also eliminated passivation with hexavalent chromium in our zinc-nickel treatment process while developing a new procedure using a substance certified and authorised by REACH as non-hazardous. We have thus reduced our annual consumption of hexavalent chromium half, from 8 to 4 tons. Was this an easy transition? TP: Obviously it wasn't. It took us several years to put this new "technological building block" into place and to validate it, because it is not just about validating a concept in the lab, it has to be reproduced at scale and over a long period. In some respects, one has to build up experience. Take for example electroplating baths which contain up to several hundred litres. Their composition and perfect mastery of the process are the result of experience in numerous aspects: the immersion time and the concentrations of the different products have to be validated. We have to make sure there's no impact on the geometry of the parts and monitor the aging of the baths to guarantee the quality of the treatment, etc. Dozens of parameters have to be taken into account, analyzed and mastered. What is the status of hexavalent chromium for cadmium-plated connectors? TP: Currently, only hexavalent chromium passivation can guarantee high resistance to corrosion and excellent electrical conductivity while retaining a non-reflecting and dark appearance which are still essential characteristics of military products. One of the solutions developed as an alternative to cadmium deposition is based on a zinc-nickel treatment with a hexavalent chrome-free passivation. This make is possible to have finished products which offer excellent characteristics while still guaranteeing full compatibility with the equipment already installed. However this solution is not necessarily going to be the right one in every case. We are continuing to use hexavalent chromium in cadmium- plated products to meet certain customer requirements or to reach markets outside Europe where the regulation does not apply and where we nevertheless have to stay competitive. We have obtained an exemption from the European Chemicals Agency for 12 years, which we are using to continue our research, and at the same time we are analyzing the techniques used in other industries, such as the car industry for example. Our final goal is naturally to completely eliminate of hexavalent chromium from all of our manufacturing processes. The process of phasing out hexavalent chromium seems to be well underway... TP: As soon as the European REACH regulation was put in place, the management of Souriau Esterline and the whole team realized that we had to launch a major program to innovate our surface treatment technology so that we could keep the production of our connectors in France. It's a major effort in terms of investment and it has also strengthened the cooperation between our teams and with our customers as well. Our desire to demonstrate our capacity for innovation, by finding replacement solutions for hexavalent chromium, is strengthening our experience and leveraging our know-how. Our customers are supporting us in this task; they know that we are on the right path going forward for the future. We have to protect human health and the environment.

@SouriauSunbank #PAuto #Safety @EU_ECHA

Fibre optic connections.

Souriau has been developing fiber optic connectors for four decades. As soon as fiber optics began to be used in telecommunications and manufacturing, connector solutions adapted to this technology had to be invented which were radically different from those designed for electrical connections.

In comparison to using an electrical link to transfer large volumes of data, fiber optics offers numerous advantages: lighter weight, less use of space, natural immunity to electromagnetic emissions, and higher bandwidth and throughput compared to an equivalent electrical link.

Since the early 2000s, the use of fiber optics has seen explosive growth in all sectors of activity. The aeronautics industry in particular, employs this technology for data transmission, both to passengers for in-flight entertainment and to the cockpit for cameras, overhead displays, etc. The environmental conditions in the aircraft environment in terms of the vibrations and mechanical constraints called for the development of specific solutions. This led to their development of the ELIO® range, and its adoption by Airbus to be able to offer a robust solution for severe environmental conditions.

The ELIO® solution is a physical type contact, called butt joint, which ensures the transmission of light between the contacts. They also offer ELIOBEAM®, an expanded beam type contact solution using lenses, which does not require physical contact and is thus more resistant to multiple connections/disconnections as well as to pollution in the external environment.

The company has chosen to target its range of fiber optic connectors at applications which are subject to harsh conditions. In the field of aeronautics, ELIO® is present in the Airbus A330, A350, A380 and A400M. Fiber has taken hold in passenger entertainment and information systems, which require high transfer speeds to transmit data to the individual screens. This allows passengers to have a large choice of films and video games at their disposal.

The design of the ELIO® allows it to be embedded in different types of connector shells depending on the requirements: the circular MIL DT 38999 type or the rectangular ARINC type for aeronautic applications. It has also been adopted by the rail sector, in circular connectors with bayonet locking. In telecommunications, SOURIAU connectors for fiber optics are present in GSM and Internet transmission antennae for FTTA (Fiber To The Antenna) links and FTTH (Fiber To The Home) for exterior connections on buildings. SOURIAU will also add the ARINC 801 standard to its range of solutions which will complement the current standard range. This solution offers high contact density in a reduced space and is a very popular standard, particularly in the American market.

Now that fiber optics has proven its reliability in classical applications, its use is spreading to more critical systems in the aeronautic, military and aerospace domains, with the growing use of sensors or even OptoPyro applications; it is replacing traditional electrical solutions.

 @SouriauSunbank #PAuto #Communications

Connectors for medical devices.

With the introduction of the JMX plastic Push-Pull series, Souriau has made a distinguished entry into the market for connectors for electronic medical equipment. As well as superior technical characteristics, the perfectly-adapted design corresponds to medical device manufacturers' requirements in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

ISO 13485 is the system standard which applies to the manufacturing of all medical devices. As a component manufacturer, Souriau is not obliged to comply with this regulation. However, from marketing as well as an ethical point of view, the decision to apply ISO 13485, already in the design phase and later in the production and quality control phases, was never a question for the company.

In contrast to other industrial fieldsdomains, where connector standards are extremely strict, in the medical fsectorit is mainly a question of respecting complementary user risk analysis requirements. For every function and every part of the product; contacts, mating system, polarity key, cable strain relief, sterilization, waterproofing, each aspect the JMX plastic connectors has undergone in-depth study and rigorous testing throughout the design process. Souriau, which works under the most stringent norms, both in production and also in its products, was able to rapidly gain ISO 13485 qualification.

Connectors in the JMX plastic family are waterproof (IP68 or IP50), sterilizable, ergonomic, bio-compatible (no irritations or allergies caused through skin contact) and reliable in the connection/disconnection operations performed by healthcare personnel. The series consists of 9 configurations ranging from 2 power contacts to 12 signal contacts. In this context, it is significant that Souriau has been manufacturing connectors with Push-Pull locking for many years, in the form of the JDX and JBX metal series for industrial applications.

Qualified in accordance with the UL 1977 and IEC 60601 standards, the target market for JMX connectors includes all types of medical devices which are in contact with patients; diagnostics and monitoring equipment, scanners, mammography, and artery monitoring. They can also be found in surgery applications, catheters, chromatography, analysis laboratories, physiotherapy, laser generators and liposuction equipment. The constant evolution of medical devices and the continuous stream of new types of equipment open up a large spectrum of opportunities for these connectors.

This connector series ensures that the equipment can be connected safely and easily. Easily, because a JMX connector needs only two fingers to connect or disconnect the system. This operation can be done in complete safety by nurses, doctors or even by patients. When you push to connect, an audible click confirms the connection had been made. The corresponding socket for each plug can be identified by colored rings. To disconnect, a simple Push-Pull on the connector is all that is needed.

@SouriauSunbank #Medical

Top connector supplier of 2016.

Crouzet Automatismes awarded its top suppliers of the year during a ceremony held in late 2016. The 2016 awards were given out by Florence Coiffet, Crouzet’s purchasing director, who also presented the results and named SOURIAU as the year’s top connector supplier.

For this first edition of its supplier awards, Crouzet Automatismes set up a scoring system that took into account a number of key parameters: on-time delivery performance (OTDP), product quality (PPM), and a score that rated the quality of each supplier’s technical, commercial, and logistical support. SOURIAU beat all the other suppliers in its category with a final score of 90 out of 100.

Hermetic connectors for aeronautical applications
SOURIAU was awarded for the hermetic version of its Series 851 and 853 circular connectors delivered to Crouzet. These connectors are fitted on 98% of position sensors used by Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, and Turboméca.

Ability to handle a large number of orders and meet delivery times
SOURIAU delivers between 15,000 and 20,000 connectors to Crouzet’s Valence facility each year. Most orders are for 40 to 50 connectors apiece, which requires having a logistics system that is flexible, highly sophisticated, and able to deliver products regularly. The Supplier Logistics and Quality Performance score of 96 out of 100 obtained by SOURIAU for all of 2016 is testament to the efficiency of its logistics department. In addition, the company received an excellent quality score of 87 out of 100 in Q4 2016.

Strive to do even better
“We are extremely proud of being the very first recipients of this connector award. Needless to say, our goal is to sustain this high level of service whilst increasing our market share. And we can achieve this goal because we have the right products,” says Gilles Rémond, key sales account manager for the engine manufacturing and equipment team assigned to Crouzet Automatismes. “We are also going to build partnerships between our R&D teams and those of Crouzet, just like Ms Coiffet wishes.”

@SouriauSunbank @CRZ_Automation #PAuto 

Plastic push-pull connector for medical & other applications.

Esterline Connection Technologies – SOURIAU's JMX series is a plastic push-pull connector for use in the medical industry. It is designed for easy use by any medical professional.

The JMX meets UL 1977 and IEC 60601 standards and connects to surgical devices, diagnostic equipment, and patient monitoring devices. The entire series is available from all SOURIAU distributors in Europe and North America.

Easy and secure connections
The JMX series is specifically designed for easy, instinctive use. Each plug features an ergonomic grip and a visual indicator for easy alignment with its receptacle.

Nine different color codes and six different key options are available to identify the connectors and prevent mating errors. The series also has a durability of 2,000 mating/unmating cycles, making daily use possible. The series' technical characteristics conform to UL 1977 and IEC 60601 and are designed to simplify medical device approval.

Waterproof and sterilizable
The JMX series protects equipment from liquids typically found in medical environments (water, blood, cleaning liquids). Rated IP68 in mated and/or unmated conditions, the JMX series protects against immersion in 10 m of water for one week. It also withstands autoclave sterilization and is rated for 200 cycles of four-minutes each at 134°C.

Carefully designed
SOURIAU's JMX series of plastic push-pull connector is designed to fit onto any medical device. Its bright colors and slender profile blend harmoniously with devices and set it apart from the competition.

A wide selection of contacts and layouts
The JMX series comes in nine layouts and four different diameters (0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.3 mm) to withstand currents and voltages of up to 10 A/1200 V. The contacts are available in solder or crimp version and SOURIAU's overmolded harnesses provide customers with permanent one-piece assemblies. The series will be supplemented by a number of additions (PCB versions, additional layouts) that will be rolled out in 2017 and 2018.

Non-medical applications
Although the JMX series of plastic push-pull connector is designed for medical applications, it lends itself equally well to instrumentation, robotic, and lighting applications. Its ergonomics, small form factor, and ingress protection rating make it a tremendous asset in meeting the needs of these markets.

@SouriauSunbank #Pauto  #Medical

Hermetic connector with T/C contacts.

The range of circular connector with thermocouple contacts from Esterline Connection Technologies – SOURIAU, now includes a version with hermetic receptacle to meet specific requirements for aircraft, and applications in harsh environments.

This connector range supplements and complements SOURIAU's current range of hermetic connectors and thermocouple contacts. The specific thermocouple contacts can be fitted in connectors that comply with EN 3646, MIL-DTL-26482, MIL-DTL-38999, and EN 2997. In civil and military aviation, for example, they are used to connect temperature sensors placed around aircraft engines and brake systems.

A specific contact technology
In temperature measurement chains, nickel-chrome (NiCr) and nickel-aluminium (NiAl) are soldered at the sensor inside the transducer and must have material continuity up to the analysis electronics. A connector's contacts must meet this requirement in order for it to be added to the measuring chain. SOURIAU ensures material continuity by fitting a nickel-chrome contact and a nickel-aluminium contact in each of its thermocouple connectors, thus rendering them neutral in the measuring chain.

Hermetic contacts and receptacles

Available connectors SOURIAU's hermetic connectors with thermocouple contact are now available in three versions:  EN 2997, MIL-DTL-38999 Series III, and EN 3646. They are the perfect match with SOURIAU's existing range of hermetic connectors and removable contacts designed for use in increasingly harsh environments.

Receptacles fitted on equipment must be hermetic at two points. The first point relates to the method used to attach the receptacle, which is possible by laser or TIG welding or by fitting a special O-ring. The second point is at the contacts inside the receptacle. Here, the conventional insulator is replaced by a glass insulator. A sintered pad of the same size as the shell and corresponding to the contact layout is inserted and melted at 1000°C in an autoclave. The heating and cooling cycles in the process are interspersed with stabilization periods. As a result, the glass contracts to form a fully hermetic seal within the shell and around each contact. Each connector undergoes rigorous quality control in the form of a helium leak test in order to guarantee the specific leakage rate of less than 10-7 atm-cc/sec required for hermetic connectors.

Contact layout and arrangement
Most connectors are fitted with a pair of nickel-chrome/nickel-aluminium contacts to form a thermocouple pair. SOURIAU can provide connectors with two pairs or more of thermocouple contacts for customers that require signal acquisition redundancy.
Two standard arrangements of three and five contacts are available based on standard definitions. As in any hermetic connector, the matching contacts are typically made of ferronickel.
SOURIAU can customize the location of contacts inside the cavity to the customer’s requirements.

 @SouriauSunbank #PAuto

EN 16330 approved connectors for both outside and inside cabin connectivity

The SOURIAU (part of Esterline Connection Technologies) WME cable connector series is uniquely approved by the EN 16330 for both outside and inside cabin connectivity. This European Standard applies to power systems, drive implements and attachments such as street cleaning brushes, snow plows, etc. The purpose of this standard is to ensure interchangeability of vehicles and implements to resolve both the compatibility issue and ensure safety of the installers and workers. The WME Series services a wide field of harsh environment applications from winter and road service vehicles to agricultural, mining and mobile machinery.

This series brings an innovative solution with UV resistance and waterproof sealing when mated. It has a self-closing cap with secondary locking feature which adds resistance to shock and vibration. In addition, the connector offers an enhanced grip attribute to facilitate connection while wearing gloves. The product includes a complete range of connectors, closing cap, backshells and accessories.

WME1 is the external vehicle attachment solution. It consists of thermoplastic shells, cable glands, closing cap and inserts which are Halogen free and RoHS compliant. It can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -30°C to +85°C and is IP68/69K sealing rated as well as resistant to a wide array of fluids such as gas and mineral oils, acids and cleaning agents. It also features a withstanding voltage of 5,000V and has a mechanical durability of 250 mating cycles.

WME2 is the internal cabin solution is also Halogen free and RoHS approved. It has an operating temperature range from -40°C to +125°C, and is UL94 V-O flammability rated. Its electrical components have a withstand voltage of 1500V and its mechanical durability is 250 mating cycles.

The WME Series also includes accessories such as protective caps for plugs and dust caps.

Instrumentation on Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P)

Reliable connectors for the revolutionary Rosetta space mission

Regular vistors to our pages may have noticed a certain predilection towards the exploration of the heavens. We leap with enthusiasm on any story from our automation sources which as much as hints at an involvement. Here is one such story.

Souriau has served as a trusted collaborator to the ESA (European Space Agency) and CNES (French Space Agency) by supplying interconnection components 15 years ago for the Rosetta space mission. The firm supplied various types of connectors for the flight model and is proud to have contributed to this unprecedented ESA success.

Heart-stopping moment!

Early last November (2/11/2014), Philae, ESA´s robotic spaceship successfully landed on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (67P), more than ten years after departing Earth. An Ariane 5G+ rocket launched the Rosetta spacecraft and the Philae lander which traveled for 10 years to reach the comet, 500 million km (310 million miles) away from Earth. This trailblazing mission will provide a much deeper understanding of solar system formation, the origin of comets, and their potential link with the origins of life on Earth.

The company contributed to the success of the mission providing an array of connectors to its end-client ESA. These connectors are typically used for power supply connection and vital signal transmission linking satellite’s sensors to the on-board computer for instance. Prior to selection, they carried out a series of tests based on ESA specifications to demonstrate its connectors were able to withstand the specific conditions set as exceptional requirements for this deep space mission. SOURIAU’s ESA qualified connectors were then selected and successfully integrated on the Rosetta mission.

The company has partnered with the ESA and the CNES for over 25 years and supported various space programs by providing high-quality and reliable solutions for harsh environments and long durations, on both standard and specific design bases. Souriau's  connectors have been used at the International Space Station to perform diverse extra-vehicular operations. In addition, Souriau' provided special harnesses for the Cassini-Huygens’ mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan, that enabled the probe to disconnect from its carrier and land after a 7-year journey through deep space.

The Rosetta space mission demonstrates Souriau's - part of Esterline Connection Technologies - ability to design and manufacture superior products perfectly suited for satellites and space exploration. True to the motto “Reliable People, Reliable Solutions,” Esterline Connection Technologies will continue to innovate while ensuring the highest reliability of its interconnect solutions for space programs. A good example is the selection of microComp®, a new generation of ESA qualified space grade connectors, on the future ExoMars rover which should land on Mars in 2018.

See also: A fascinating story: Trash to gas project to help life on Mars! (30/11/2014)

Intermateable and interchangeable connectors.

Esterline Connection Technologies - Souriau has awarded a dual-source agreement to AB Connectors for the supply of its micro38999 connectors, which are used by many of the group's customers. The agreement guarantees that both manufacturers' micro38999 connectors are intermateable and interchangeable. Designed primarily for use in on-board systems for aeronautics and qualified to MIL-DTL-38999, the micro38999 range by Esterline Connection Technologies - Souriau stands out for its outstanding vibration and temperature resistance. Its enhanced resistance to harsh operating environments and its compact size are the key factors that have set the range apart from its competitors in recent years. The micro38999 range allows size and weight savings of 50% compared to the smallest MIL-DTL-38999 Series III units.

A few examples of the outstanding performance offered by the micro38999 range include its vibration resistance of 44 Grms at 125˚C for 8 hours, its removable electrical crimp contacts, its M39029 and EN 3155 contacts, and the fact that it can be supplied with non-reflective black zinc-nickel plating to satisfy the latest RoHS requirements.

The micro38999 range by Esterline Connection Technologies - Souriau recently demonstrated vibration stability that enabled it to be selected for sensors (accelerometers, pressure, temperature) used in qualifying new aircraft.

Its small form factor, lightning resistance and integrity were also essential factors for aeronautical engineers looking for EWIS (electrical wiring interconnection system) compatible miniature connectors for next-generation civil aircraft.

Under the terms of the dual-source agreement, Souriau will provide AB Connectors, at the latter's request, with the drawings of its connectors. In return, AB Connectors will do the same if it develops complementary products. Both manufacturers will also regularly conduct joint checks of the interoperability of their connectors.

Connection technologies platform enhanced by acquisition!

Based in California, and with a strong presence in aerospace markets, Sunbank is the world’s second-largest producer of accessories for electrical wiring harness connectors and conduits. Their acquisition will reinforce the presence of Esterline Connection Technologies - SOURIAU in the United States. This will allow them to offer our clients a comprehensive offering of connectors, accessories and conduits.

From left to right: Robert PADEN Sunbank President, Jean-Luc GAVELLE President of Esterline Technologies Connection (SOURIAU + Sunbank), Alain Durand Group Vice President of Esterline Technologies

Formed in 1958, Sunbank has 500 staff and annual earnings of 45 million dollars. Sunbank’s facilities located in Paso Robles, California, and Tijuana, Mexico, will supplement SOURIAU’s global manufacturing footprint principally located in the United States, Europe, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, India and Japan.

The reputation and global coverage of Sunbank and SOURIAU will strengthen the development of Esterline’s Connection Technologies platform in the European and North American aerospace markets.

SOURIAU is recognised by its clients for its operational excellence, the fruit of its teams’ 15 years’ involvement in continuous improvement initiatives and quality process optimization such as MRP2 and lean worksite setup.

“We want to ensure that Sunbank benefits as soon as possible from our proven practices and our accumulated experience in this field, to give our clients ever-better service, and improve our partnership with our American customers in particular,” says Jean-Luc Gavelle, President of Esterline Connection Technologies. “Thanks to this acquisition, we hope our customers around the world will benefit from the highest levels of quality and OTD (On Time Delivery), not only for connectors but also for sub-assemblies complete with connectors, accessories and conduits.”

“We are very happy to welcome Sunbank’s teams to the Esterline Group, and highly motivated by the resulting development prospects.”

New high density connector solution

Souriau has released the JDX Hybrid (Mixed Power & Signal) connector family. This new combination of power and signal being offered within one high density connector solution minimizes added componentry inventory, reduces system complexity and the subsequent consumption of valuable space and installation costs.

The new JDX Hybrid connector also offers a ruggedized and sealed IP68 solution for high vibration and shock applications. Having waterproof features combined with exceptional reliability and quality, the JDX interconnect system is ideal for both outdoor and indoor environments.

The JDX mixed power and signal connector offers the ability to integrate 2 to 3 power contacts with 6 to 8 signal contacts in one connector housing. Available in both Brass or lightweight Aluminum with a shell size 2 and 3 versatile layouts. The JDX Hybrid connector can also be customized to provide a cost effective cable assembly solution to meet your application requirements.

SOURIAU Sealed and non-sealed connectors can be used in a variety of markets including Instrumentation & Measurement, Industrial, Mil-Aero, Broadcast Entertainment, Medical and Telecommunications.

Down from the air and on the rails!

First developed for the aerospace sector, Souriau’s ELIO® contact combines excellent optical performance in demanding environments with very low signal losses even when subjected to the most violent vibrations or shocks. It now joins the Souriau railway connector product range: several all-optical or electrical/optical hybrid configurations are now available in the VGE1 range.

Building on more than 20 years of expertise in optical fibre technology applied to the railway market, Souriau’s R&D teams have succeeded in incorporating ELIO® contacts into the VGE1 range of railway-qualified connectors. ELIO® is the easiest optical contact to use in demanding environments: hermaphroditic contact, contact insertion in and extraction from the connector without tools, easy to clean, contact sealed to the optical cable without additional union.

Optical fibre technology is the perfect match for railway equipment data transmission requirements: constantly increasing data rates, enhanced security and reliability, increasingly long life, and energy savings from reduced equipment weight. Optical fibre can handle practically unlimited data rates, provides immunity to electromagnetic interference without shielding, and avoids any risk of electrostatic discharge. The connectors are more compact than standard electrical connectors, while providing higher performance.

Drawing on more than a decade of operating experience feedback in the aerospace sector and its ease of use, the Elio® contact has all the advantages it needs to make its mark in the railway market, where optical technology is spreading rapidly: sensors, wayside and train signalling equipment, passenger information systems, gigabit Ethernet networks, etc. Making the choice now for optical fibre transmission rather than a conventional copper system ensures that growing data rate needs over the coming 20 years can be met without having to upgrade your network. Souriau guides all its customers on the optical fibre path, whether they are familiar with the technology or not.

SMS IP: The compact high-security railway connector
Copper connectors are not standing still: Souriau is extending its railway product range with its new SMS IP range. Designed to comply with the NF F 61-030 standard, the SMS IP is a high performance and high security connector for internal equipment. It complies with fire/smoke requirements, and is the only connector on the market to have obtained HL3/R23 rating according to the new CEN/TS 45-545 standard. It withstands low temperatures down to – 55 °C and can be used for voltages up to 500 V. Available in 3-, 6- and 12-pin versions, SMS IP has been qualified by Alstom, Bombardier and the SNCF.

Like the other connectors in the Souriau railway range, the SMS IP uses standard AWG16 contacts.

The new VGE1 Elio and SMS IP ranges will be presented at the Innotrans show in Berlin (D)Sept 2012

Connection for connectors!

SOURIAU relaunches its industrial website with a new intuitive e-catalogue. This catalogue covers the broad range of metal, plastic, circular and rectangular connectors used extensively in industrial, medical, instrumentation and renewable energy where robust interconnects are required.

A new section is dedicated to custom overmolded cable assemblies.

Initially the e-catalogue will provide easily accessible information on the popular UTS series and will be gradually expanded to cover all industrial-style interconnect solutions from SOURIAU.

Attractive features of the e-catalogue include search by:

- Part number
- Number of contacts
- Power requirements

Users can also compare features between connector types.

Simple animations describe how parts are assembled for use. PDF and 3D models will be available for all popular series as the e-catalogue expands. UTS models are available right now.

The e-catalogue will also feature typical applications drawn from actual experience.

Users will be able to conclude transaction by checking real time availability and ordering directly through SOURIAU’s extensive global distribution network.

Catalogue relaunches website

Souriau has relaunched its industrial website  with a new intuitive e-catalogue. This catalogue will cover the broad range of metal, plastic, circular and rectangular connectors used extensively in industrial, medical, instrumentation and renewable energy where robust interconnects are required.

A new section will be dedicated to custom overmolded cable assemblies.

Initially the e-catalogue will provide easily accessible information on the popular UTS series and will be gradually expanded to cover all industrial-style interconnect solutions from the company.

Attractive features of the e-catalogue include search by:
• Part number
• Number of contacts
• Power requirements

Users can also compare features between connector types.

Simple animations describe how parts are assembled for use. PDF and 3D models will be available for all popular series as the e-catalogue expands. UTS models are available right now.

The e-catalogue will also feature typical applications drawn from actual experience.

Users will be able to conclude transaction by checking real time availability and ordering directly through their extensive global distribution network.

Optical connectors!

Souriau has pioneered the development of optical connectors, yesterday for the telecom market, today for harsh environments. Building on this rich know-how, Souriau has launched of its website devoted to optical connectors and fibre-optic technology: www.optical-connectors.com.

On this new site visitors can explore the whole range of Souriau products grouped by market, from aerospace to defence via railways and industrial plant, with detailed illustrations by application. For each market the site proposes a selection of connectors according to the required performance and the standards that must be conformed to. Data sheets and catalogues can be downloaded quickly and easily. The product ranges of its partners, featuring active optical components for electro/optic conversion, maintenance (inspection, cleaning, repair) and personnel training, are also presented.

The site also presents Souriau’s R&D and qualification testing (EN, IEC, ISO, MIL) capabilities, as well as its production facilities, and the latest innovations in fibre-optic technology: insensitivity to dust, high density and reduction of installation times. Souriau is continuing to develop optical technology to make it easy to install and reliable for the harshest environments, from ocean depths to outer space.

Souriau is aware that the selection of an optical technology is also based on the capacity of the supplier to minimize risks, from the preliminary project to full industrial production with its logistic imperatives. Souriau’s dedicated optical team is experienced in this constant support of its customers, and can be contacted directly through the website to respond to the specific questions and needs of the visitors.

Secure PCB connection

Souriau’s secure PCB connection for hostile environments, its 8D Double Flange (38999 Series III) enables the panel fixing to be separated from the PCB connection. This is an elegant, robust, high-performance solution for connecting up PCBs in boxes whilst retaining all the flexibility of a standard interface.

The first flange of the 8D Double Flange is fixed to the panel using a jam nut mounting system, and the second flange is there to hold the printed circuit board in position. This separation between the two means that shocks and vibrations are not transmitted to the contacts, ensuring greater robustness.

The company can supply MIL-STD-1560 layouts in all sizes (from 9 to 25). The contacts have no shoulder, which means it is also possible to solder them to boards of varying thickness by reflow or wave soldering.

A zinc-nickel protective coating is offered as standard. In addition to being RoHS compliant, it also has the advantage of offering high resistance to salt spray, and keeping ensuring good continuity of electrical contact at the same time.

This means that the ground can be optimally connected to the PCB, helping provide better EMI protection between the connector and the upper side of the PCB.
This will be particularly valuable in the case of a multi-layer PCB with external metallisation.

Finally, Souriau can offer its customers a complete 3D CAD (Step) modelling package, to help system engineers achieve accurate sizing of their boxes.

Ethernet & broadband networks for harsh operations

Souriau has developed and released gauge #8 quadrax contacts which have demonstrated in an operational environment that they are compatible with communication protocols requiring up to category 6. These protocols include those for the flagship quadrax application which is, of course, Ethernet in harsh operating environments.

For Ethernet, Souriau’s quadrax connectors can use either the 100BaseT protocol over one quadrax cable, reaching throughputs of 100 Mbit/s, or Ethernet 1000BaseTX, which can allow transmission of up to 1 Gbit/s over two quadrax cables.

Souriau’s quadrax range is available to EN3645, EN3646, ARINC 600 and EN2997 standards, so that Ethernet protocols can be used in the majority of approved and proven aeronautics connectors.

The (patented) design of Souriau’s gauge #8 quadrax contacts ensures easier, repeatable cabling. This guarantees the overall transmission quality, providing the best possible throughput. In addition, these contacts are robust enough to offer secure data transmission over 500 mating operations, with the added ability to handle shocks and vibrations.

Applicable to the vast majority of our inserts with gauge #8 cavities, Souriau’s quadrax contacts allow unrivalled flexibility for harsh-environment applications which are increasingly resorting to Ethernet for their transmission protocol.
 

Power interconnection for harsh operating Environments

The new Souriau product range for power interconnection includes three shell sizes (19, 23 and 25) with silvered contacts able to handle currents up to 800 amps. The design of these connectors is built around the use of Souriau’s Series III inserts and shells. This pedigree results in unrivalled performance under extreme temperatures and vibration, due in particular to the use of the ratcheting system and materials used and qualified for D38999 applications.


The inserts and seals used belong to class 175, which means that high power can be
transmitted, even at sustained temperatures. Although the limiting factor is often the cable used, the use of class 175 inserts is fully justified when the connector is used in a bus bar situation (cf. connector at left in photo), i.e. when the cable is replaced by metal supply plate. The connector contact is then screwed directly onto that plate. This type of connection enables maximal power transmission.

The use of high power may generate interference, which can adversely affect the
performance of the other communication systems found on the equipment. This is why Souriau offers its shielded Series III interface with an EMI ring as standard, along with different rear connection types (elbow or straight) enabling optimal grounding.

The design of these power connectors is fully modular. They can also be used alongside generators (APUs) near the engine block, or further downstream for electrical distribution between equipments. The backshells used are removable, so they can be adjusted at the last minute according to the space constraints encountered when starting wiring; or the elbow connector can be orientated according to the angle of the incoming cable, in order to minimise the residual tension of the cable on the connector.

Finally, these power connectors are available with RoHS Zinc Nickel protection, which is suitable for the 500 hours salt fog withstand and the 500 mating as stated both in the MIL-DTL-38999.

The modularity, materials used and standard interface mean that Souriau’s power product range meets the latest requirements dictated by the advent of hybrid vehicles and the need for greater power in order to cope with the proliferation of on-board equipment.